By Victoria Hare, Registered Manager, Southern Hill Hospital
I am delighted to share that Southern Hill Hospital’s specialist Addiction Treatment Service is now ready to welcome new admissions, marking an important development in the range of care and treatment we provide.
Our service offers a dedicated, supportive setting for adults seeking professional help with drug and alcohol addiction, with individualised treatment programmes designed to address the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of dependency.
We recognise that taking the first step towards recovery can be a significant and sometimes daunting decision. Whether someone is seeking treatment privately or accessing support through a statutory funded placement, our aim is to provide a welcoming, compassionate environment where they can begin their recovery journey with confidence.
A Dedicated and Private Treatment Environment
One of the distinctive features of Southern Hill Hospital is its size and layout, which allows us to provide different specialist services within separate, dedicated areas of the hospital.
Our Addiction Treatment Service operates independently of our complex mental health and eating-related difficulties provision, with its own designated therapeutic space.
This separation provides privacy and discretion for individuals accessing addiction treatment, while creating an environment specifically suited to their recovery needs.
We understand that confidentiality, dignity and personal space are particularly important for people seeking help with addiction. Having a dedicated area within the hospital enables individuals to focus on their treatment in a setting that respects these priorities.
The hospital also benefits from extensive grounds and a location close to the coast, offering opportunities to enjoy outdoor spaces and the calming benefits of the surrounding environment.
We believe that the setting in which someone receives treatment can make a meaningful contribution to their wellbeing. Access to outdoor space, opportunities for reflection and time away from the pressures of everyday life can all complement a structured therapeutic programme.
Individualised Treatment and Recovery
Addiction affects people in different ways, and we recognise that there is no single approach to treatment that works for everyone.
At Southern Hill, our treatment programmes are designed around each individual’s needs, circumstances and recovery goals.
Following a comprehensive assessment, an individualised treatment plan is developed, considering the person’s substance use, physical and mental health, personal experiences and wider support needs.
For people experiencing alcohol dependence, medically supported detoxification can form an important first stage of treatment, helping them manage withdrawal safely with appropriate clinical oversight.
Alongside this, our approach focuses on understanding the underlying factors associated with addiction, recognising triggers, developing healthier coping strategies and supporting individuals to make positive, sustainable changes.
Recovery is about more than achieving abstinence. It is also about rebuilding confidence, strengthening relationships, improving wellbeing and developing the skills needed to maintain progress beyond a period of inpatient treatment.
Our multidisciplinary approach aims to ensure that individuals receive coordinated support throughout their stay, with treatment adapted as their needs and goals develop.
Supporting Both Private and Statutory Funded Admissions
We are pleased to be able to welcome enquiries and referrals for both privately funded and statutory funded placements.
For individuals and families considering private treatment, we recognise the importance of timely access to professional advice, clear information about the treatment available and a straightforward admissions process.
Our team can discuss individual circumstances, explain the assessment process and provide guidance on the most appropriate next steps.
We also work with statutory commissioners, local authority drug and alcohol services and other referring professionals to support individuals who require specialist inpatient addiction treatment.
For statutory funded placements, we recognise the importance of collaborative working, clear treatment objectives and effective communication with referring teams.
Our aim is to ensure that every admission is purposeful, with treatment and discharge planning focused on achieving meaningful outcomes and supporting longer-term recovery.
Creating Pathways Beyond Inpatient Treatment
For some individuals, completing a residential addiction treatment programme is one stage in a longer recovery journey.
Moving directly from a structured treatment setting into independent living may not always provide the level of support needed to sustain progress, particularly where someone has additional mental health, social or practical support needs.
We therefore recognise the value of clear, planned pathways into appropriate community-based support.
Through the wider IHCM group of services, there are opportunities to explore supported living pathways for individuals who may benefit from continued assistance as they move beyond inpatient treatment.
Subject to individual assessment, suitability and availability, these pathways can provide a more gradual transition, helping people build independence while continuing to receive support with everyday living, wellbeing and community engagement.
For commissioners, this offers an opportunity to consider treatment and onward support as part of a more joined-up recovery pathway, rather than viewing inpatient treatment as an isolated intervention.
Our focus is on ensuring that discharge planning begins early, with individuals, families where appropriate, commissioners and community professionals working together to identify the most suitable next steps.
A Positive New Chapter for Southern Hill
The opening of our Addiction Treatment Service represents an exciting new chapter for Southern Hill Hospital.
With dedicated treatment accommodation, extensive grounds, a coastal location and access to wider recovery pathways, we believe the hospital provides a valuable setting for individuals who are ready to seek support with addiction.
For me, the most important aspect of addiction treatment is recognising that every person’s journey is different. Our role is to provide the right support, in the right environment, and to help individuals develop the confidence and skills they need to move forward. Recovery does not end when someone leaves hospital, which is why planning for life beyond treatment is such an important part of our approach.
We look forward to working with individuals, families, commissioners and referring professionals as we welcome our first admissions to this specialist service.
Victoria Hare
Registered Manager
Southern Hill Hospital