Providing a service to Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital. This leaflet provides information about our service for patients and carers.

About our team

  • We are a team of experienced and skilled mental health professionals including nurses, psychologists and doctors.

  • We offer specialist mental health assessments for all patients over the age of 16 that are referred from Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.

  • Our service operates seven days a week 24 hours a day.

  • We provide a triage assessment prior to full assessment to respond in a timely manner and gain understanding for your needs and requirements.

  • We refer, signpost or provide information for self-referral into local mental health and support services.

Mental Health Urgent Assessment Centre

The Mental Health Urgent Assessment Centre (MHUAC) was developed to support transferring patients away from the A&E department. It is designed to provide a calm space for service users who are experiencing a mental health crisis who have no physical health needs and require a mental health assessment while being supported by mental health professionals in a calm environment.

Follow up clinics

The Mental Health Liaison Team (MHLT) are able to facilitate follow up clinics within the MHUAC which provide up to six sessions following initial assessment and offer service users anxiety management strategies, learning new skills e.g. problem-solving, signposting to volunteering, social inclusion, mindfulness, sleep hygiene, self-soothe, self-esteem and self-confidence.

Philosophy and values

  • All service users will be treated with respect, privacy and dignity.

  • Service users will be fully involved in discussions and decisions relating to their care.

  • Follow up care and advice, will be individualised and take into account the personal, social, spiritual and cultural needs of the user and carer.

  • Service users will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, culture, gender, sexuality, rates or disability.

  • Carers and families can be involved in the assessment process and if the service user prefers to be seen alone the assessing team can listen to any family or carer’s information and support and signpost appropriately, including signposting for carers support and assessment.

What does our team do?

  • We will offer you a confidential assessment - limits and boundaries of this confidentiality will be explained in the assessment.

  • We will give you the time to discuss your needs, current issues and stressors.

  • We will take into account your past personal history and previous contact with mental health services.

  • We will help you identify your strengths skills and current support.

  • We will give you the opportunity to involve family or companions in your assessment either in person or by telephone contact.

  • We will send a copy of your assessment to your G.P. and other relevant services to share the information that you have given us. We can also provide you a summary of the assessment if you wish.

  • We will collaboratively develop a care plan with you that you understand and agree with.

Our service limitations

Unfortunately like any service, there are things we are unable to offer. Below is a list of some of these, however we will endeavour to support you in accessing the appropriate services.

  • Medication - we are unable to prescribe medication. We can however discuss your medication and offer advice and information about it and write to your GP.

  • Housing - we are unable to provide housing. We can provide you with the information for accessing emergency housing in your locality.

  • Fast track referrals - however we can ensure your current referral is appropriate and adequate for your needs.

Sometimes there may be a wait to see our team. It can be helpful to use this time to think about what your current difficulties are and how we can help you. 

Useful numbers

Mental Health Crisis Line

Telephone: 0800 953 0110

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Advice, assessments, and referrals to mental health services.

The Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline

Telephone: 0800 915 4640

Or text Hello to 07860 022 846, Monday to Friday, 7pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12noon to 12 midnight.

An information and listening service for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.

Home Treatment Team

Telephone: 01772 773 422

24 hours a day, seven days a week, when you can’t keep yourself safe.

Central Lancashire accessing mental health support

Telephone: 0800 013 0708

24 hours a day, seven days a week. Urgent or routine mental health advice, support and treatment.

Friends and Family Feedback

Please choose team, Mental Health Liaison Team Central.

If you wish to view your health care records associated with your involvement with mental health services, please ask the practitioner or team.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).