What to expect when you arrive at our MHUAC

  • Should you attend ED intoxicated, you may not be seen until you are fit enough to converse with the team.
  • You have attended ED because you or a person you are with is in a Mental Health Crisis.
  • You may see police in or around the department, please do not be alarmed, this is quite normal, and unless specified, they are not here for anything you have done.
  • Our mental health provision consists of Nurses, Doctors and Health Care Support Workers, should you need any support, please be confident in approaching them.
  • As part of the assessment process the team will want to ask you and your carer, family and friends quite a lot of questions, to understand your current presentation and how we can best support you, please don’t be alarmed by this.
  • We will write to your GP following your assessment to let them know why you were here, you can also receive a copy of this letter.

There are a number of options for support in the community:

The Mental Health Crisis Line:

A 24/7 Assessment and Signposting Service: 0800 953 0110

The Home Treatment Team:

24/7 crisis support in the community: 01253 956 280

The Light Lounge:

Open 4pm to 10pm seven days a week: A drop in or phone service when presenting in Mental Health Crisis: 01253 477745 

Advice to people attending ED in mental health crisis:

  • If not an emergency please try and contact your own GP first

  • If you have a Care Co-ordinater please contact the Care Team or out of Hours Home Treatment Team 01253 956280

  • If not known to a Mental Health service please consider contacting the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0800 953 0110

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or contact The PALS Team via email.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight