Junipers psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU)

  • We provide intensive care and treatment to people with a range of serious mental health needs, who cannot be supported on one of our general adult psychiatric wards.

  • How we can help

    How we can help

    Everyone receiving care and treatment at The Junipers is detained under a section of the Mental Health Act. People involved in your care will have consulted with staff here and agreed that you currently need the type of support that can best be delivered in a psychiatric intensive care unit.

    We are here to support you to get better and to work closely with your family and supporters. We will help you with all aspects of your recovery, including your physical health if required.

    We know how difficult it is when you are first admitted, particularly at a time that is so stressful for you and your family. 

    We want to make your stay as comfortable and beneficial as possible.

  • The Junipers Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Wonford House Dryden Road
    Exeter
    EX2 5AG
    01392 539 123

During your stay

When you arrive, you will be greeted by a member of our team. We will welcome you and show you around the whole unit, including your bedroom.

You will have an initial assessment by one of our doctors and other members of our team. We will talk to you about your mental health. We want to understand your concerns, your hopes, your strengths and your preferences for treatment so that we can give you the best possible care. 

We will make sure you are safe and well every half an hour. We will check how you are doing and ask if you need any extra help and support.

Leaving Junipers

Planning your discharge will start as soon as you are admitted to The Junipers. We may involve a community mental health worker or care co-ordinator, who will arrange any necessary support after discharge. In some cases, other professionals may be involved to provide care and support.

We actively encourage you, your family or carer to be involved in the plan for you leaving us.

For family, friends and carers

You know the person in our care far better than we do. It is extremely useful for us to hear about your thoughts and concerns, how you think things have been going, what might be triggering certain behaviours and anything else that might be helpful in supporting your loved one.

We will do our best to keep you involved and will always check with the person in our care that they are happy for this to happen.

You are always welcome to talk to a member of our team.

Parking

Parking at Wonford House is limited. Some areas require permits. Allow extra time to find a space or take the H bus from the city centre.

The Sowton Shuttle SPR3 Park and Ride departs from Sidmouth Road (EX2 5GL). It runs every 30 minutes, Monday to Friday, 6:40am to 8:10pm.

Parking your vehicle

When you enter the car park, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will record your vehicle's registration number. Please, where possible park, in a yellow-dotted bay. 

Leaving the car park

When leaving your visit please use the pay on exit machines located in three locations:

  • First floor main entrance/exit by Wonford House reception 
  • Ground floor ramp entrance/exit of Wonford House 
  • Outside The Cedars main entrance/exit

Alternatively, you can pay using your mobile phone. The following parking apps can be used:

  • RingGo, JustPark and PayByPhone.  
  • Location ID - 626248 

Parking charges

Parking fees are as follows. Tariffs applies 24/7. 

Parking charges
Time period Charge
Up to 2 hours £2.50
Up to 3 hours £3.50
Up to 4 hours £4.50
Up to 5 hours £5.50
Up to 6 hours £6.50
Up to 7 hours £7.50
Between 7 hours and 24 hours £12.50
Weekly £26.00

Parking charge notices (PCN's) will be issued for:

  • Failure to pay or register for full duration of stay
  • Being parked out of a marked bay
  • Unauthorised vehicles
  • No valid permit
  • Obstructive parking
  • Parking in a designated bay without displaying a valid disabled badge

Park, visit and pay machines

Park, visit and pay machines are available in various locations across Wonford House. 

  1. Enter vehicle registration: Input your vehicle's registration number. You will then be told what the fee is based on the duration of your stay.  
  2. Choose a payment method:  
    • Debit or credit card   
    • Cash  
    • Contactless payment   
  3. Payment confirmation: After payment, ensure you receive confirmation, either via a printed receipt or on-screen acknowledgment.  

Additional information

Grace period

There is a 20-minute grace period for short visits or drop-offs.   

Blue badge holders

Parking remains free for blue badge holders. But please scan your badge at the payment machine when leaving. 

Frequent visitors and carers

Patients who need to attend the hospital regularly, as well as their carer, may be eligible for free parking.  Please register your vehicle at main reception on arrival and produce your carers passport. 

To obtain a carer passport, who you contact depends on where you live.

  1. Recovery and wellbeing
  2. Get help with
  3. Carers and families