How We Care
Care across The St Magnus Community is safe, structured and built around each individual's clinical need and personal circumstances.
Our dedicated multidisciplinary teams specialise in managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including serious mental illness and the complex neurological and behavioural presentations associated with dementia.
St Magnus Hospital offers a clearly defined clinical pathway, from Low Secure through High Support Inpatient Services and on to St Magnus Nursing, enabling patients to progress through levels of care within a single, consistent therapeutic community as their clinical picture evolves. Our nursing units provide supported living for those whose mental illness is chronic and stable, offering a seamless transition from hospital care where appropriate.
The St Magnus Community stands out because everyone is incredibly caring and professional. It is brilliant to see the bonds built between staff and our patients and residents, and it is such a welcoming community to join.
Senior team member at St Martha’s Hospital
Your assessment process
Patients and residents usually come to us after a placement elsewhere has not been as successful as hoped. Your assessment process considers you as a whole person.
What Defines Our Care
Best-practice thinking, imaginative equipment for patients with dementia and quicky responding to your changing needs … many elements make up the outstanding care we are so proud to provide. Examples are the beautiful Musical Garden, robotic cats and technology to give you more privacy while keeping everyone safe.
Across St Magnus and St Martha’s our care stands out because we’re so good at offering fresh activities and treatment ideas then pursuing those that work best. We can do so because of our high staff ratios and responsive management team. Because people with the same diagnoses may have completely different treatment regimens and different needs, we never box you into a set formula.
Many patients at St Magnus Hospital live with cognitive impairment, including more complex presentations associated with dementia. Our clinical teams are experienced in adapting care, treatment and daily routines to suit each patient’s cognitive needs, with specialist approaches embedded consistently across all wards.
Our dedicated dementia environments include Cowdray Ward, a spacious eight-bed ward with en-suite bedrooms, two gardens and three lounge areas, and Park House, where patients can enjoy our interactive Musical Garden featuring musical instruments, coloured paths, sweet-smelling edible plants and bright canopies that diffuse natural light — creating a sensory-rich environment that promotes calm, stimulation and wellbeing.
Our robotic cats are fluffy companions bringing joy and calm to patients with dementia, providing comfort and a gentle sense of purpose, much like our soft-fabric Reuben dolls in a variety of outfits. Dramatherapists work with patients on positive behaviour support plans, while occupational therapy teams take time to discover each patient’s personal interests and sensory needs — purchasing a sanding cloth for a DIY enthusiast, for example. This level of individual attention is what genuine quality of life looks like in practice.
We also reduce risk through unobtrusive technologies such as sensor mats and door alerts that notify staff when a patient leaves their bed or room. This approach is less intrusive than constant observation and allows staff to attend to other aspects of care, while maintaining safety and dignity at all times.
I love the autonomy we have, enabling quick and dynamic responses from me and the team as we ensure high standards across all departments and excellent quality care.
Hospital Director at St Magnus Hospital

More on mental disorders
The Royal College of Psychiatrists hosts a wealth of information on its website.
Just use the search bar here:
