Who will look after me?
The ward manager is in charge of the unit.
The staff team will make sure your treatment is of a high standard. All of the team will support you and be involved in caring for you.
You can talk to any of the staff if you have any concerns, worries or questions about your treatment.
You will have a Consultant Psychiatrist in charge of your treatment. The consultants at this hospital may be psychiatrists, psychologists or nurses.
Other staff involved in your care could be:
• Advocate
• Podiatrist
• Dentist
• Dietician
• GP
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapist
• Arts Therapist
• Psychologist
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Social Worker
• Community Nurse
• Patient Advice and Liaison Officer
• Positive Behaviour Support Nurse
If you have religious or cultural needs the staff will help to support you. You can talk to a chaplain if you would like.
What will I bring?
You should bring enough clothes to last two weeks. Your clothes can be taken home to be washed or you can wash them on the unit.
You will need:
Toothpaste and toothbrush
• things to wash or shower with
• any other toiletries you like to use
You can bring your own towel if you would like to.
Bring any medicines, tablets, creams or inhalers with you that you use a lot. Please give them to the nurse in charge who will keep them in a safe place.
Do not bring anything that is valuable or special. Things can get broken or lost.
Electrical items will need to be checked before you use them.
Will I need money?
You should bring a small amount of money. You can look after the money yourself or the staff can keep it safe.
Your main benefits will be paid while you are in hospital. You can collect your money in the usual way.
You might have to make other arrangements to get your money. The nurses will talk to you about this.
What should I not bring?
• anything that is special
• anything that is valuable
• pets
• lighter fuels
• glass bottles
• alcohol
• illegal drugs
• scissors
• knives
• cameras
• pornographic material
What will I eat?
There is a dining room for you to eat your meals.
There is a menu for you to choose your meals from. Snacks and drinks are available.
If you need a special diet let the nurse know as soon as possible.
The staff encourage you to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Mealtimes are usually around
8.15 – Breakfast (weekends are later)
12 noon to 1 o’clock – Lunch
4 o’clock to 6 o’clock – Dinner
9 o’clock – Supper
What can I do during the day?
There is a range of activities that you can attend; some are part of your treatment and others are for leisure.
The nurses and therapists will be there to support you. Your named nurse will let you know what sessions and activities are available.
Consent
You should always be involved in making decisions about your life, care and treatment. Staff will give you a leaflet about this.
Smoking
The hospital has a no smoking policy on all wards and public places.
Staff can help you to give up smoking.
