A HOSPITAL which treats autistic men in crisis has passed a tough accreditation process after three years of hard work.

Newbus Grange Hospital, near Hurworth, Darlington, has received Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society.

The independent hospital, which has been on the site for 14 years, treats men with autism and associated difficulties who need rehabilitation.

Patients have their own rooms, en-suite bathroom, and within Newbus Grange, which was formerly an hotel, there are facilities including a massage room, arts and crafts spaces, sensory rooms, a music and movement room, a games room and a kitchen for training sessions.

The men can also walk around in the gardens, which includes a sensory garden and a trim trail.

The hospital, which is run by the Danshell Group, won praise from the National Autistic Society, who said it "works effectively with a complex group of autistic clients providing positive and proactive multi-disciplinary approaches in a person-centred manner".

The report said that the hospital was particularly good at involving parents and families in their care planning, and in the transition to the patient being discharged.

Hazel Southern, manager at Newbus Grange, said: "This is terrific news for all involved.

"It has been a summer of success for us, as we were recently rated "good" in all areas by the Care Quality Commission."

She said the home had also received a quality accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and added: "The NAS said how well supported our service users were and said the support workers were exemplary."

The report also said Newbus Grange had showed its commitment to understanding autism, and said the hospital was "setting the standard for autism practice".

It said the staff were "dedicated to providing the best possible care and support".

Autism Accreditation is an internationally-recognised process of support and development for all those providing services to people with autism.

It provides a structured framework and advisory support in order for the hospital or service being reviewed to reflect on its current practice and continue to develop in line with the latest thinking around working with people with autism.