Frequently asked questions

You will have your own bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, storage and a television. You will have your own access fob to enter your bedroom.

Your belongings will be stored in your bedroom. You will also have a locked cupboard to place some items. We ask that you keep your bedroom and ensuite tidy as this will assist the domestic staff when cleaning your room.

The Trust will not accept any liability for lost or stolen property that's in your possession.

We suggest you bring with you:

• clothes and shoes
• nightwear
• money
• toiletries
• medication you have at home

Anything that makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed can be brought in, within reason.  There may be items or activities you enjoy which help you relax and which will aid your recovery, please discuss this with the ward team regarding having access to this.

We would suggest that you do not bring anything valuable, or anything that holds sentimental value and cannot be replaced.

Please remember that some personal items may be restricted and will need to be given to staff. To ensure everyone's safety, staff will check all bags and your person on arrival to the ward. 

Money brought into the ward and valuables may be kept with the patient affairs office.

There are items not allowed on the ward, or that you will have restricted access to. This is necessary to maintain ward safety. Examples of restricted items include lighters, matches, razors, scissors, mobile phone chargers, glass items and plastic bags. Some items may have to be removed and stored separately or your family can take them home.

Devices that include camera or video capability and sound recording are now commonplace and recognition for the need for confidentiality, privacy and safety and dignity for all patients is paramount. Therefore you will have access to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop although if these items are used to breach the privacy and dignity of the ward and or patients, or used to view illegal videos or pictures, they may be confiscated until further review.

The hospital is smoke free. There are no designated areas for patient, visitors or staff to smoke on the hospital grounds. If you wish to be prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy, please discuss this with your ward team.

There is a laundry room available on the ward and washing powder is provided. Please ensure you move your washing from the room when dry to prevent mix-ups. 

If you wish to iron, please ask a member of staff who will assist you with this.

There is a linen cupboard on each ward. If you need fresh bedding you can ask staff to provide you with it. You are responsible for changing your own bedding, although staff will help with this if needed.

Whilst you are on the ward, the staff will check on you. Sometimes you may not even notice them checking, other times it may be more obvious. There are different levels of observation, some patients may be checked every 15 minutes, whilst all others are checked every half an hour. Some patients may have a member of staff with them at all times; this may be the case when you first get admitted to the ward. 

The observation level will be individual to you and your particular care and treatment, and they are there to support patients who require extra time with staff.

Leave is an agreed period of time off the ward. 

The process for getting leave will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are of a voluntary or informal status, you can request leave from the ward at any time. You will usually be asked to agree the period of time you want with the doctor. The doctor will offer their advice as to whether they think you are well enough for leave or not. 

If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, you will need permission from the Consultant Psychiatrist. If they agree you are fit for leave, they will sign a section 17 leave form. You will be required to follow any conditions of leave set out.

Prior to any period of leave, whether informal or detained, you will be given a care plan by your named nurse team, which tells you, times, contact numbers and conditions of the leave.

The ward staff and the Mental Health Act Administrator can provide you with all this information, also leaflets will be provided to explain your rights. 

There is more information about the Mental Health Act here. 

Within the hospital there is a reflection room which you are welcome to attend. If you are unable to leave the ward the nursing staff can arrange for someone to visit the ward from your own denomination. If possible this will be on the same day.

The hospital will provide you with meals during your stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Sparky's cafe and shop in the reception can also provide light snacks and beverages 8am to 8pm when you have access to this area. Water, tea, coffee and cordials are available at any time day or night. Tea and coffee may not be advised throughout the night if this is affecting a healthy sleep pattern. Takeaway food nights can be organised on your wards with staff support.

Families and friends are welcome to visit the wards. Visiting times are between 1pm and 7.45pm, trying to avoid dinner time. We understand that sometimes people may not be able to visit at these times, if this is the case, please speak with the nurse in charge. If your visitors bring anything in for you, the nursing staff will ask to check this before it can be handed to you. This is to maintain the safety of yourself and others on the ward. There are designated visiting areas on the ward, we ask for reasons of privacy and confidentiality that visitors do not wander around the ward. You may also attend the cafe with your visitors with prior agreement from your care team if this is required.

Yes they can. Although anyone under the age of 18 cannot visit the actual ward, however, there are specific family visiting rooms available for young visitors. These rooms are booked in advance; therefore please speak with the ward staff to ensure an appropriate room can be booked for you.

You may use a designated ward phone, your mobile phone and there is a payphone available in the main foyer area. If someone wishes to contact you, they can phone the ward office and one of the staff will take the call, which will be passed to you if you're available, or a message will be taken for you.

We welcome you and your carer and/or family members to be actively involved in meetings about your care and the service. Please speak with the ward teams regarding this.