Who are we?
This booklet contains information that should be useful to you during your stay here. If you have any questions, please speak to any member of staff and they will be happy to help.
- Ward Manager: Simon Brind
- Deputy Ward Managers: Vikki Patfield and Jack Robson
- Matron: Sophie Humphries
About Bronte Ward
Why am I here and how long will I stay for?
You have been admitted to Bronte Ward as it was felt by a Mental Health Professional that you need a full assessment in hospital. Whilst you are here we can work out how to help you and together we can plan how to best meet your needs. What will happen whilst I am in hospital? You will be allocated a Primary Nurse Team who will work with you to complete your assessment and plan your care. There are other professionals who may also like to speak with you whilst you are in hospital, such as Doctors, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists and Support, Time and Recovery Workers.
Can I leave?
Many of our Patients will come into hospital on a formal basis. A formal basis means detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 for your safety and /or the safety of others, you will be provided with a separate leaflet which will explain your rights to you in more detail.
Locked door
Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust is committed to providing mental health care for all patients in the least restrictive and controlled environment compatible with ensuring the patient’s health and safety and the safety of other people. However the Trust recognises that there are circumstances in which the doors to a ward need to be locked to manage entry to and exit from that ward and maintain every body’s safety.
Where do I sleep?
The ward has single rooms with en suite facilities for your stay with us at The Harbour. You will be allocated a fob if deemed safe following a holistic risk assessment so you can have access to your private room during your stay.
Where do I put my belongings?
You will have a wardrobe/cabinet next to your bed to put your belongings in. All items kept in your bed area remain your responsibility. You will have access to a small locked area to keep valuables in, however we ask that people do not bring in large amounts of money or valuable items to prevent them being lost. We advise that any items of sentimental value are not kept on the ward. We do offer a service where things can be put in a Safe when necessary.
We also ask that people only bring essential items into hospital such as:
- Any medication you are on: Please hand this to the staff.
- A couple of outfits and shoes (Please ensure these are labelled)
- Nightwear (Please ensure these are labelled)
- Underwear (Please ensure these are labelled)
- Small amount of money (around £10 to £20 should be enough)
- Toiletries (We do have a small supply of toiletries/nightwear available on the ward if you are admitted in an emergency, please ask a member of staff).
Restricted items:
- Matches or Cigarette Lighters
- Sharp implements such as knives, tools or other utensils, drawing pins etc.
- Alcohol/drugs or medication of any kind
- Glass, tins or pots, plastic bags, phone chargers
- Recording instruments: cameras, camcorders, tape recorders, blank tape
Can I smoke?
Smoking is not allowed anywhere within LSCft premises. Please discuss this with your Care Team as they will be able to assist with Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Lighters
All lighters need to be handed to staff for safe keeping and will be returned on your discharge from hospital. Matches and lighters are not permitted within the unit. We also have other items which you may be asked to hand in to staff to ensure the safety of all the Service Users and Staff within the Unit. This will be discussed with yourself on admission. All items will be kept safe and returned to you when you are discharged. Please understand that we do not wish to cause any offense by this request.
Where can I wash my clothes?
We have a laundry room on the ward; staff will be happy to do some washing for you. If you would like to assist staff in doing your own laundry then we will happy to facilitate this. However, where possible we recommend laundry is done at home by relatives.
Where can I get clean bedding? We have a linen cupboard with fresh bedding, staff are on hand to change your bed on a daily basis.
What if I need a drink or I am hungry?
We have open access 24 hours to tea, coffee, juices and water. We also have snacks available outside of meals times such as fruit, yoghurts, cereals, toast and sometimes sandwiches/salads. Please ask staff for snacks if they are not out on the ward.
Meals are served as follows:
- Breakfast: 08:00 – 08:45 am
- Lunch: 12:30 pm
- Tea: 5:30pm
- Supper: 9:00pm
If you have any special dietary requirement, please discuss with staff who will inform the kitchen staff and they will ensure that all your dietary needs will be met.
What will I do whilst on the ward?
The ward has an activity timetable which includes various activities led by our Recovery Support Workers and supported by Ward Staff. There is a weekly patient meeting held whereby activities for the week can by agreed.
Leave off the ward
If you would like leave off the ward please speak to a member of staff who will advise you if this will be possible or discuss.
Visiting and contact arrangements
Visiting is open but we try to protect meal times to support low stimulus and increases staff support at meal times. To contact us, you can arrange a meeting with the ward manger of Matron if there is something you wish to discuss.
Can children visit?
We do not allow those under 18 years of age to visit the wards but there is a family room that younger visitors can use. This room needs to be booked so please speak to the staff to ensure the room is available.
How do I contact people and how do people contact me?
If someone wishes to contact you they can phone the Patient phone which is kept in the nurse’s office. Service Users are allowed mobile phones on the ward, however please do not take any photos whilst on the ward or use any recording devices. If family or friends would like to speak to a member of staff they can ring the nurses station on 01253 447737/38.
What about my physical health?
Everyone has a physical health check when admitted to the ward. This will be carried out by the Doctor on the Ward who will ask you questions about your physical health and any problems or needs you may have. We will also contact your GP at the earliest opportunity for your medical history.
What are observation levels?
While you are on the ward, the ward staff will check on you. Sometimes you may not even notice them checking on you. There are different levels of observations; the level that you are being nursed on will be discussed with you.
How will my spiritual needs be met?
We have access to a Chaplain Service and also there is a Multifaith room that you can use. There is a Reflective Space area that is there for the use of while you are in our care at The Harbour, please just ask one of our Staff and they will be able to help with your needs.
Satisfaction questionnaire
We welcome your view and opinions about your stay on the ward because these will inform future developments of the service. When you leave you will be asked to complete a ‘friends and family test’ questionnaire.
Sharing information/ confidentiality
It is important that our staff know as much about your mental and physical health as possible so that we can give you appropriate care and attention. The information will be kept on a computer (electronically) or on paper (manually) or both. We take the issues of confidentiality and privacy very seriously.
Relatives, friends and carers will only be kept up to date about the progress of your treatment if you have agreed to this and a record has been made of this agreement. If you change your mind this agreement can be withdrawn and your new decision will be recorded. In situations when you don’t consent to information being shared with your next of kin, family or carers.
They can still give information to ward staff. We do not disclose information without your written permission to third party organisations. Occasionally there are exceptional circumstances that mean we have to, such as when you or someone else is at significant risk of harm, or where the law requires such information to be disclosed. If we have to disclose personal information we ensure that it remains secure.
Making a complaint or compliment
There are leaflets available about making a complaint or providing compliments to the teams. Please ask staff for the forms that need to be filled in. You can also ask an advocate or contact the Mental Health Helpline who will send you information.
Advocacy
The Advocacy Services are Independent to The Harbour. An advocate can listen to you in confidence, help you make plans and help you to speak up for yourself. They can also put you in contact with other people who may be able to help you and support you. Advocates do not give legal advice or welfare rights advice. They don’t make decisions for you or make judgments for you.
This is a free service; please ask staff for more details.
Advocacy Service – Advocacy Focus Telephone: 0300 3230965
Is there any support available for my carer or family member?
We welcome you and your Carers or family to be actively involved in meetings about your care and treatment and about the service. Your carer will be offered a carers assessment when you are admitted to the Ward. There are meals and light refreshments for families and friends when they visit. Parking is free on site for all visitors. Please discuss with nursing staff if you or family require a carers assessment
Respect
All staff will treat you and your family, carers and visitors with respect. Please can your family, carers and visitors treat staff with the same respect, we have a set of mutual expectations displayed of the notice board within the Ward environment please ensure you have read them or discuss them with a member of staff.
What should I do if I feel intimidated or bullied by another service user?
Please speak to a member of staff so steps can be taken to ensure you feel safe on the ward.
Care Plans Diary Sheet
Date: ..........................................
You may want to use this sheet as an opportunity to think and write about how you are feeling do day, to think about the good and the not so good things that have happened, plan what you want to achieve during the next 24 hours. However you use the diary sheets remember staff are there to support you and if you have any concerns or worries do not hesitate to approach and speak to the staff on duty.
Ward Review Sheets
Ward reviews are your opportunity to discuss your care and concerns with the principle people involved, these may include your Consultant Psychiatrist, Ward Doctors, Nursing Staff, Occupational Therapist, STR Workers and Community Staff. Only those staff involved in your care will be present and you may invite family/ friends and advocates if you wish, arranging an appointment time with staff. The following sheet may help you to identify the care and support you feel will be beneficial to you both during your Inpatient stay and when you are discharged.
Feeling low and need someone to talk to?
Call 0800 915 4640, Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to midnight.
Need urgent help?
Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.
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).