Welcome Guide – Beadnell Ward Mother and Baby Unit

Beadnell, also known as the ‘Mother and Baby Unit’ is a six bedded self contained ward, situated within St Georges Park Hospital, Morpeth which is part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

Beadnell is a specialist regional facility which can accommodate six mothers and their babies (babies who are up to 12 months prior to admission). We also admit pregnant women who are 32-34 weeks pregnant or above.

The unit provides inpatient mental health services to women experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties related to the latter stages of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood.

It is usual for 50-80% of women to experience the “baby blues” within the first 3-5 days of giving birth, this often resolves quickly without professional intervention.

Approximately 10-15% of women suffer from postnatal depression, which is usually diagnosed within the first three months after the baby’s birth. Some of the common symptoms are low mood, sadness, not getting pleasure from anything, loss of interest in life in general, tiredness, poor sleep, appetite and concentration, as well as feelings of guilt and self blame. These symptoms can worsen or fail to improve without treatment. Unfortunately, approximately 1-2 women in every 1,000 deliveries experience a more serious condition called postnatal psychosis.

Most women can be treated in their own home, however some require hospital admission.

We aim to make Beadnell a welcoming, calm and homely environment to support recovery from postnatal illness.

Your length of admission cannot be determined at point of admission as all mums have differing diagnosis and needs, also recovery does not take the same time for all women.

Some women stay for a few weeks, others a month or longer. Part of your care plan will include periods of home leave to see how well you are recovering and how you cope at home. Home leave is to aid the transition from hospital to home.

Coming into hospital can be a distressing experience for you and your loved ones. Whether this is the first time that you have been admitted, or if you have been here before, we recognise that this is a difficult time. We will support you as much as possible during your stay.

A member of staff will welcome you and show around the unit and to your bedroom.

The admitting nurse will ensure your personal details are recorded, any medication is obtained from pharmacy.

They will also discuss your observation level and write a care plan for this. On admission to the unit you will be prescribed a level of observation by the doctor, this is to ensure you are safe and well. It enables staff providing observations to determine if you need additional help or support. This can be from having a member of staff with you all the time to only needing to be seen around mealtimes, observation levels tend to reduce in line with recovery. It is our policy to observe babies every 30 minutes throughout their stay on the unit to ensure their health and wellbeing.

Following admission you will meet with members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) who will get to know you and the circumstances leading to admission. From these discussions we will formulate the appropriate care and treatment plan, working in collaboration with you and your family members.

Most mums on admission are asked to do as much child care as they feel able during the day and night. Staff are available to help out to enable mums to sleep, unless they are breastfeeding.

We will help and support any mum who wants to breast feed or bottle feed. We do not supply formula milk, bottles, nappies, wipes, nappy bags and clothing. We hold a small emergency stock of some formula milk, but not prescribed formulas, however we can obtain these via pharmacy. If you use any milk from ward stock you will need to replace it as soon as possible.

We have a small stock of jar baby food, savoury and sweet, please speak to staff if you need any. When beginning weaning, if you need help when preparing fresh foods or menus our Nursery Nurses can provide advice and education. Fresh food/vegetables will be provided by the ward.

The unit has a limited stock of baby food for weaning babies, however if you want your baby to have a specific brand or flavour we cannot obtain you will need to supply these yourself.

We have cots, pushchairs, baby bouncers and changing mats that you can use.

Bed linen and towels are supplied and will be replaced regularly during your stay. You will need your own clothes and toiletries, the ward supply some emergency toiletries.

Where can I store my things?
You will have storage in your room where you can keep your clothes and personal belongings. There is also a safe, but if you have any valuables consider leaving them at home.

There is a hospital banking system but it does not have a cash point. You can deposit money and make withdrawals Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm.

What should I bring with me?
There is limited storage but you will need things that you require on a day to day basis:
• Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers and clothes for your baby
• Inside and outside day clothing (laundry facilities are available)
• Toiletries
• Nappies, nappy sacks and wipes
• Formula, bottles and baby food
• Any medicines that you or your baby use regularly. Pharmacy will provide medicines you may need during your stay and to take home.
• Watch/alarm clock
• Sweets, snacks
• Books, magazines, reading glasses

All electrical equipment needs to be tested for safety before use on the ward. Please give equipment to a membr of staff who will arrange for it to be checked.

Is there anything that I cannot bring onto the ward?
The following items must not be brought into hospital:
• Large amounts of cash, cheque books, credit cards
• Valuable jewellery
• Alcohol and any non-prescribed or illicit drugs, legal highs and any noxious substances.
(If illegal drugs, legal highs or noxious substances are found the police will be contacted)
• Weapons of any kind
• Offensive media materials

This is not a full list and staff will inform you of any other items that are not allowed on your ward.

• Consultant Psychiatrist
• Junior Doctor
• Ward Manager
• Specialist Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Lead
• Qualified Nurses
• Support Workers
• Occupational Therapist
• Consultant Psychologist
• Nursery Nurses
• Pharmacist
• Social worker
• Peer support worker
• Domestic services

The unit also has access to a local GP practice where our mums and their babies can be registered as temporary residents to address any physical problems, get postnatal checks, and baby’s immunisations. They can also access health visiting services if out of area (more than 20 miles).

These are the qualified staff who will work most closely with you throughout your admission. You will be allocated to a designated member of staff on admission, who will be identified as your Named Nurse.

Your Named Nurse is responsible for ensuring your treatment plans are up to date, spending time with you discussing any issues you may have regarding illness and recovery, or anything else that may be worrying you.

Your Nursery Nurse is responsible for your baby’s care plans; she is available for help and support regarding childcare provision and information about infant issues.

Planning your care
We will work with you to agree the goals of your stay and how best to work towards them. We will also discuss the treatments which are known to have the best effects in supporting your recovery. From this we will develop your personal care plan which will detail what needs to happen and who will do what.

Your Nursery Nurse will develop a care plan for your baby to ensure his/her needs are met, enabling him/her to meet developmental milestones.

One-to-one sessions
You will meet with your named nurse at least twice a week. You may discuss a range of
things such as your progress, concerns, making plans for the future or developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). Sometimes you will meet one-to-one with professionals like an occupational therapist, specialist nurse, social worker and psychologist for specific therapy sessions. All this will be agreed with you and written down in your care plan so everyone including yourself knows what the aims of these sessions are.

All this will be agreed with you and written down in your care plan so everyone including yourself knows what the aims of these sessions are.

Making sure we are helping you make progress We do this by holding regular reviews with you, your family and the care team working with you.

Meeting your psychiatrist
You will meet with your consultant psychiatrist regularly through your stay.

Measures and questionnaires
We use questionnaires to monitor your improvement and also how satisfied you are with the service you are receiving.

Multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT)
This is a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting; it is attended by the Consultant Psychiatrist, Junior Doctor, Social Worker, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist and Specialist Nurse. Community professionals attend these meetings to keep in touch with their patients and ensure continuity of care following discharge. This may be through Teams. The team discuss your progress, changes to your treatment/care plans.

You will be offered the opportunity to attend the meeting to gain feedback; if you do not wish to attend a nurse will give you feedback later. Your family member can also attend if you would like this.

Your family and carers play a very important role in your recovery. We will work with them to provide the information and support they need to support you. At the first opportunity a member of staff will meet with your main family/carers to get to know them. Staff will provide them with information about their caring role, and what needs they may have to carry out this role.

We will inform carers of local services, so that carers can receive their own support and advice.

There may be things that you do not want to share. You should discuss these first with your care team so that you can understand the impact this might have on your relationship with your family/carers. Usually we would recommend that your family/carers are fully involved and informed in your care.

There is a leaflet about confidentiality and carers that the staff can supply you with if you require more information.

Advance decisions are about making choices about your healthcare while you are well. In mental health, this means that your wishes can be taken into account if you ever become incapable of making informed choices during a crisis.

An advance decision can be spoken or written down and should be reviewed regularly. Only an advance decision to refuse treatment is legally binding; you cannot demand certain treatments but can state your preferred options.

The Trust produces an Advance Decisions and Statements booklet. Copies are available from staff or the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288.

If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, there may be circumstances where you are given treatment that you have previously stated you do not want. This decision will only be taken if your refusal would have a severe impact on your treatment.

“Do you know you can meet with a pharmacist to discuss your medication? Ask your named nurse/ key worker for an appointment ”

If you would like information leaflets about your medicines ask your named nurse.

Pharmacy Medicines Information Helpline
The Trust has a helpline for confidential advice about medication. You and your carer can call the helpline between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri. The helpline number is 0191 245 6604.

The Trust produces a booklet about how patients can request a change of consultant or second opinion. This leaflet is available from staff or the Patient Information Centre
Tel: 0191 246 7288.

Mental Health Act 1983
Some people receiving treatment in psychiatric wards are in hospital on an informal basis and have usually agreed to come into hospital – they are called informal patients or voluntary patients.

If you are in hospital as a formal patient you will not be free to leave and will lose some other important rights that are available to informal patients. This is because you have been ‘sectioned’ (or detained) under the Mental Health Act 1983. Sometimes this could mean we give you medication without your consent but this is to help with your recovery. However, information about your medication will be provided – the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will help you understand about any side effects.

You will be informed about your rights and fact sheets are available on the ward and from the Trust website. We will always include you in decision making about your care and treatment.

Mental Capacity Act 2005
Sometimes people are so unwell that they are unable to make some decisions for themselves; this is called ‘lacking capacity’. We will always assume you have the mental capacity to make decisions unless an assessment has been carried out to establish that you have not got capacity. Where people ‘lack capacity’ we will always act in their best interests.

Locked doors
The unit doors are locked and alarmed, this is to ensure safety of babies. There is CCTV in operation on all exterior doors and garden, this is to increase security for babies, but also to provide a safe environment for everyone within the unit.

The Trust works from more than 70 sites across Cumbria, Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. We also run a number of regional and national specialist services. Along with partners, we deliver support to people in their own homes, and from community and hospital-based premises.

We have more than 9,000 people working for us.

The services we provide are organised into three care groups – Community, Inpatient and Specialist.

There are likely to be many practical things to consider during your stay. Your named nurse/key worker and other ward staff can help you.

For example, you may need to:
• Make arrangements for the care of your children or
others
• Get somebody to take care of your pets
• Get a change of clothing
• Pay urgent or outstanding bills
• Cancel/rearrange appointments
• Contact employers
• Disconnect gas and electricity
• Notify the benefits office

If you are employed or on benefits we will, with your permission, send a medical certificate to your employer or DWP on admission.

A medical certificate will then be sent as required and upon discharge.

Any pensions or benefits you receive will continue while you are in hospital, however some adjustments may need to be made. Informing DWP as soon as you come into hospital can reduce the need to repay any overpayments that accrue during your stay.

Advice regarding benefits and finance can be obtained via the unit’s Liaison Social Worker.

While you are recovering we want to enable you to carry on your life as normally as possible, caring for your baby and keeping up personal interests. Please tell us if there is anything we can do to help you do this. Perhaps your family or friends could bring a few things from home or you might like to try out a new activity.

Some activities available are:
• Occupational therapy, either open or structured sessions.
• Physical activity such as the gym.
• Social events which are organised by the ward staff.
• Unit-based activities such as cooking, board games, social out and about events.
• Baby massage/baby yoga.
• A chaplaincy service is available. You can request an individual visit.
• Walks into Morpeth and local area with staff. There is a café in the main entrance you can use with your family and friends, or have a meal yourself.

The following information will tell you a little about life on the ward.

Weekly timetable
Meaningful activities are essential to your recovery. You may feel like staying in bed and resting, but this is not the best or healthiest choice to make. We encourage people not to stay in bed or isolated in their own rooms. We will encourage you to develop a weekly planner of things that keep you focused and well.

Community meetings
Take place on a regular basis. They give you an opportunity to meet with staff and other patients to discuss and resolve issues on the ward.

Domestic services
A domestic service is provided to keep the ward clean and tidy. We encourage you to take responsibility for keeping your room clean, as well as helping keep the ward tidy (with help if needed) to prepare you for discharge. There are laundry facilities for you to wash your own clothes.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, evening meal and a light supper are provided on the unit for mums. You will be given a choice of lunch and evening meal. You will have to make choices two days in advance to ensure supplies are ordered. The unit can cater for special dietary requirements given advance notice.

Bread and cereals are readily available for mums to help themselves to for breakfast. There are also yoghurts, fruit, cake and biscuits for snacks or supper, which mums can help themselves to. Drinks are available 24 hours a day.

When dads are staying they can have supper on the evening they are staying, breakfast and lunch the next day, these also need to be ordered two days in advance.

Visitors and children are not catered for; there is a vending machine and café, open Monday to Friday in the hospital main entrance.

Meal times
• Breakfast – depending on you or your baby
• Lunch – 12 noon – 1pm
• Evening meal – 5pm – 6pm

Protected meal times
Where there are ward mealtimes, arrangements are in place so you can enjoy your meal without any interruptions. Visitors and staff should not be in the dining room at lunch time, 12 noon – 1pm or evening meal time, 5pm – 6pm, but are welcome to use the lounge areas during these times.

Partners
Partners may be able to stay overnight on the unit, depending on the ward and on how well or unwell their partner is. This must be planned and agreed by the ward team, ideally 2 days in advance. There is some flexibility but it is not guaranteed permission to stay will be granted at short notice. We do not advocate staying more than two nights per week. Partners are expected to look after the baby when they stay on the ward.

Visitors
Your friends and family, including children, are very welcome to visit. Children visiting are the responsibility of the adult who accompanies them to the unit and must be supervised at all times.

There is an enclosed garden where visiting children can play but they must be supervised.

The hospital has a no smoking policy on all wards and public places. Please do not smoke in any other areas as this can be dangerous and is against Trust policy.

Car Parking
Partners and immediate family are entitled to a free parking permit which allows free parking at all times. Please give staff the car registration number and we can update our online system.

The unit side door can only be used for dropping off and picking up, this entrance must be kept clear for emergency vehicles only.

All other visitors to use the main car parks when visiting; there is a charge Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Telephones
You can use your own mobile phone but it would be appreciated if all patients and visitors are considerate of others and the use of mobile phones is as discreet as possible at all times.

The use of the camera and recording devices within mobiles phones is not allowed without first seeking permission from staff, this is to protect patient confidentiality.

Staff on the unit do not carry their own mobile phones whilst on duty.
 

The multi-disciplinary team approach we use means that there are many different people available to help you. Staff include:

Nursing
• Ward Manager – the ward manager is a nurse and provides both managerial and clinical leadership to all staff on the ward.
• Specialist Nurse – provides senior clinical leadership to all staff on the ward and provides operational cover in ward manager’s absence.
• Clinical Nurse Lead – a registered mental health nurse, providing clinical leadership on the ward.
• Nurse in charge – this is the nurse who is in charge of a shift (shift co-ordinator) and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the ward.
• Staff Nurse – a qualified nurse who is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. They deliver nursing care and also psychosocial interventions to help your recovery¬¬.
• Named Nurse – is responsible for co-ordinating your nursing care while you are on the ward. They will be introduced soon after your admission and will be your point of contact during your stay. All named nurses are staff nurses.
• Nursery Nurse – to assist with your baby’s care.
• Support Worker, Nursing Assistant, Health Care Assistant – supports the nursing staff in caring for you.

Medical
• Consultant Psychiatrists – are the most senior doctors with overall responsibility for your care. They lead on important decisions about your treatment and discharge. You will be introduced to your consultant when you transfer to the unit and continue to meet regularly.
• Higher trainees – are experienced psychiatrists who are working towards becoming consultants.
• Ward doctors – are training to become psychiatrists or GPs. They will be available to you on a regular basis with regard to your physical and mental health and your care plan.
• Pharmacy staff – the pharmacy team ensures that you receive your medication in a safe and effective manner whilst you are on the ward. The team can offer advice on medicines and any side effects. If you would like to speak to a member of the pharmacy team whilst on the ward, ask one of the nursing staff who will let the team know.

Support and Occupational Staff
• Consultant Psychologists – are trained to help people deal with emotional and behavioural difficulties, they are available to provide structured talking therapies.
• Occupational Therapists (OTs) – use activity to help to develop skills needed in recovery which include shopping, cooking, looking for work etc. This may be on a group or individual basis.
• Social Worker – trained to help assess and meet any social care needs or signpost to other agencies/services.
• Physiotherapists – work with you to help restore movement. They provide any necessary physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
• Peer Support Workers – these are people who like you, are experts by experience and have been employed by the Trust to support you in your recovery spending time with you and helping you to work out how to best manage your recovery. They are particularly good at helping you develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or Staying Well Plan.
• Exercise Therapists – devise specific therapeutic exercise programmes depending on your aims and objectives. The exercise therapy department provides a weekly programme of exercise groups which are both hospital and community based. They can also help you to make positive lifestyle changes eg healthy eating, stopping smoking.
• Speech and Language Therapists – assess and treat speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages to help them better communicate. They also work with people who have eating and swallowing problems.
• Dieticians – are experts in food and nutrition. They provide dietary advice on a wide variety of conditions using the most up to date information. They help promote healthy eating habits and well balanced diets based on individual needs.

Other staff
• Students – the Trust supports the teaching of students from various professions. From time to time you may be asked whether a student can be present or deliver part of your care. Your verbal consent will be sought and you have the right to refuse. All students are supervised by a qualified member of staff.
• Domestic staff – undertake housekeeping duties, serve and order meals, assist with laundry, keep the ward tidy and clean.
• Ward Clerk – provides administration support and assists in the smooth running of the ward.

You might hear the following words and phrases when you are in hospital.

Care Co-ordination – this is a way of helping and supporting people with mental health problems. It starts as soon as you come into contact with mental health services. It is the system that ensures that you receive help and support from the health service, social or voluntary sector.

Care Plan – this is a way of recording the help and support you need and explains how this will be done.

Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT) or Ward Reviews – this is when all of the professionals involved in your care meet to discuss your progress with you, and your carers if appropriate. This meeting takes place on the ward.

Observation – this is an important tool nurses use which helps us to get to know you and to help us maintain your safety whilst you are in hospital. You will always be fully informed if you are being observed and given the reasons why.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) – this service provides help, advice and guidance to users of the NHS and their families.
North of Tyne – 0800 032 02 02, Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Person Centred Care – staff are committed to person centred care which ensures that you are the focus of all activity concerning you and you are fully involved in all aspects of your care.

RiO – this is the system that the Trust uses to securely store electronic patient records. For further information see page 26 ‘Information the Trust keeps about you’.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) – is a structured system for monitoring and managing your mental health through planned responses that work for you. It also informs services and carers on how to respond should you find it difficult to make decisions for yourself should you become unwell.

Your care in hospital will comprise of a number of different treatments. The main treatments on offer are outlined here.

Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help treat your illness. A ward doctor can usually answer any questions you have about your medication or how it works.

Psychological
When appropriate you will be offered psychological therapies. One of the approaches used is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This is used to improve a person’s sense of wellbeing and mental health, it helps people to think about possibilities for change and alternative ways of coping. These approaches are given by appropriately trained staff.

Family Intervention
Families play an important role in your recovery, we will provide them with information and support to carry out this role. In some instances family therapy will be offered to improve your recovery.

Physical Health
Your physical health is very important. We will regularly assess your physical health needs and work with your GP to provide you with appropriate advice and treatments.

Occupational Therapy
The main aim of occupational therapy is to assist your recovery by encouraging you to take part in activities that have meaning and value for you.

During your stay in hospital, occupational therapists (OTs) will look at your strengths and needs. An individual treatment plan will be developed and reviewed with you, which may be a mixture of one-to-one sessions and group activities. These take place in the hospital setting, occupational therapy department or community venues.

The following list gives examples of some of the activities that are available:
• Daily living skills to develop or improve your skills in areas like cooking, shopping, budgeting and other day-to-day activities.
• Health promotion with advice on different areas such as healthy eating, exercise and stress management.
• Work, training and/or education to help you develop the skills and confidence to take part in paid or unpaid work, courses or training that you may be interested in.
• Leisure activities such as pursuing a hobby or sport that builds on your self esteem, social networks and gives enjoyment.
• Relating to yourself and others to improve your confidence and self esteem and help you to develop coping strategies.
• Activities that encourage you to be a part of your local community and help you build links with other people in the area.

Availability of these activities does vary slightly from area to area; the current programme for your ward will be displayed on the wall.

Exercise Therapy
The main aim of exercise therapy is to provide exercise as a therapeutic activity to improve your mental and/or physical health which can contribute to your overall recovery.

You will receive an assessment with the exercise therapist and based on your goals an individual exercise plan will be developed. You will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of exercise groups including gym, cycling, walking, circuit training, healthy eating and weight management. You will receive regular progress reviews to monitor your progress and help achieve your goals. Where possible you will receive support to continue with your exercise plan after discharge from the ward.

We understand the important role that spirituality and religion can play in people’s lives and recovery. This will be very individual to you so we will work with you to understand and support your specific needs. Chaplaincy is offered to people of all faiths and none.

You can talk to a chaplain if you would like to. We have a team of chaplains from a range of different faith communities who are available to visit you. You are also welcome to ask your own local faith leader to visit you whilst you are here.

St Georges Park
There is a Christian service in the Chapel on Saturday mornings at 10am. The Chapel may also be used at any time for personal prayers. A prayer-mat is provided for Muslims. Please ask staff or call at the chapel for a most up-to-date leaflet concerning Spiritual Care at St George’s Park

Staff can arrange an interpreter if you need one.

Our Trust is Smokefree
All of our Trust sites are now completely smokefree which means that you and your visitors are not allowed to smoke anywhere on our sites. This is part of our approach to support service users and staff to achieve a healthy lifestyle and reduce the harmful effects of smoking.

Smoking materials are prohibited items
Smoking materials are prohibited items on Trust sites. If you come into hospital with tobacco products, cigarettes, lighters or matches, they will need to be given to staff. Cigarettes and tobacco products will be returned to you on discharge from the ward on request. Alternatively they can be given to a family member or carer to take home with them. Tobacco products, cigarettes, lighters or matches will not be given back to you for any periods of leave from the ward.

Visitors are asked not to bring any cigarettes or tobacco products (including lighters) on to the ward.

Smoking on Trust Sites
Smoking anywhere on Trust sites is not permitted and is a breach of the law (the Smoke Free Regulations) to smoke inside any building which may result in a fine of up to £200.

Helping us to maintain this policy protects other service users, staff and the care environment.

Support to stay smokefree during your admission
We are able to offer you nicotine replacement products such as patches, inhalators and lozenges on admission to keep you comfortable and craving-free. Please talk to your named nurse/key worker to access these. We also have trained advisors on the wards who can help you to stay smokefree and manage cravings.

This will also be discussed with your doctor as the dose of your medication may need to change.

Vaping/E-cigarettes

Provided you are 18 years old or over:
‘Vaping’ (use of an electronic cigarette/e-cig) is permitted by service users on Trust sites in outdoor areas, including ward gardens/courtyards (if available).

An e-cigarette can be supplied on admission if you wish to use one as an alternative to cigarettes. Some of the cafes and shops on Trust sites sell replacement cartridges.

You may use your own e-cigarette, staff will need to do a brief check of your device and charger to make sure they are safe.

Some services may have restrictions on e-cigarettes for safety reasons.

Why does the Trust keep information about me?
The Trust needs to keep information about you, your health and treatment so that we can provide the best possible care for you.

Is the information kept confidential?
Everyone who works in the Trust and within the wider NHS must keep information about you confidential. We do share information within the team that is caring for you, and sometimes with other professionals in other organisations that are providing care for you, like Social Services.

If we do share information with other organisations, we would normally talk to you about it
first and ask for your permission. On very rare occasions we may also share information with other organisations because we feel that there would be a serious risk to you or to other people if we did not do so, or because there is a legal obligation, such as a court order, that means we have to disclose information.

What sort of information do you keep?
We keep information both on paper and on computer. The kinds of details that we keep include:

• Basic information about you, such as your name, date of birth, address, next of kin
• Records of your contacts with professionals, such as clinic visits
• Notes and reports on your health and any treatment or care that you need
• Records of any tests or assessments that we carry out
• Records of the treatment and care that we provide for you
• Relevant information from other health professionals, members of your family or friends who care for you and know you well

Can I see what information you have about me?
You have the right, under the Data Protection Act 1998, to find out what information we hold about you, whether that is on computer or on paper records. If you want to do this, you should write to:

Disclosure Officer
Information Governance Department
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE3 3XT

The Trust produces a booklet ‘Information that the Trust keeps about you’. Copies are available from staff or the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288.

Fire safety
Fire alarms are fitted around the hospital. These are very sensitive and can only be turned off by the fire brigade. If you hear the fire alarm going off, staff will direct you to the safest exit. It is important that you follow their instructions and try to stay calm.

Infection control
Please speak to a member of staff or the infection control nurse if you have any concerns about the cleanliness of the hospital.

Safety and restraint
The most effective care is provided in a safe environment. If a person acts in a way that compromises safety on the ward, staff will take action to reduce the risk to all concerned.

In most situations staff will try to resolve such issues through discussion. They will work with the individual to deal with any problems and may suggest moving to a quieter area.

There may be occasions when a more urgent response is needed, which can involve staff using physical restraint skills. However, these techniques are only used when there is an immediate danger of violence towards yourself or others.

Physical restraint is only ever carried out by staff who have received training in how to use these skills safely. It is intended to allow for safe management of harmful situations and to make the environment safe as quickly as possible. Dignity should be maintained throughout any restraint procedure.

If you see anything that you think could pose a risk to yourself or others, you should report this to a member of staff immediately. Staff can help to reduce the risk and discuss any concerns you might have.

Narcotics Search Dog
The Trust has a narcotics search dog and handler who make both planned and unannounced visits to wards and departments. The search dog is trained to locate illegal substances such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and heroin.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS is a user-friendly service dedicated to listening to service users, their carers, family and friends and helping them to resolve their concerns. It offers confidential advice and supports people to navigate through NHS systems. PALS is not a complaints service but will offer advice on the Trust’s complaints process.

Telephone: North of Tyne 0800 032 02 02, Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm.

Independent advocacy
As a mental health service user you are entitled to independent advocacy. Advocates can provide unbiased advice, attend ward meetings with you and make sure that your views are listened to. If you have been admitted to hospital under a section of the Mental Health Act then please contact the service that covers the area where you live. A member of staff can also help you and provide you with contact telephone numbers.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC is the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. It checks all hospitals in England to ensure they are meeting government standards of quality and safety. www.cqc.org.uk/public

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website
• telephone the Complaints Department Tel: 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected] Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk

 
We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
• complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
• other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

 
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne
Tel: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Tel: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: [email protected]
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

Leaving hospital is an important life event; it’s a sign that you are making progress with your recovery. It can be an exciting time and also for some people it may feel daunting. During this time it is essential that you receive good quality support and care. Planning around your move on will start soon after your arrival on the ward and will be part of all care planning processes. Carers will be involved in the planning of any move on from the ward.

Your move on will be a planned process involving you and the care team. Extra support will be available for you during this time to make your move on as successful as possible.

During home leave and upon discharge you will have the support of the community based staff involved in your care. You will be given a 14-day supply of prescribed medication. A summary of your admission, including current prescription, will be sent to your GP to enable you to get a further supply from them.
You will be seen within 7 days by a community professional for “7 day follow up” which is a Trust protocol, to ensure you are maintaining wellness.

The following suggestions are things you will need to consider when planning your move on from the ward:

• Having the right accommodation to meet your needs.
• Having your finances in place.
• Having a GP (family doctor).
• Having a good understanding of your medication, where and how you will receive it.
• Having the skills you need to look after yourself.
• Understanding the future support and care you will receive.
• Having a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or Staying Well Plan in place.
• Informing your family and friends so they know when you will be leaving hospital and where you are living.
• Knowing how you will spend your time i.e. interests, hobbies, activity and work
• Knowing how and where to get help when you need it.
• Any conditions attached to your discharge i.e. Community Treatment Order. A Community Treatment Order is a power given to your consultant under the Mental Health Act to place certain conditions on you which you must follow when you have left the hospital. It is meant to ensure that you receive the right treatment once you have left the hospital and it means you have to keep in touch regularly with your mental health team.

Staff on the ward will be able to help you with concerns you might have about these or any other issues and provide you with contact details of the crisis team.

My care team on discharge are:

Care Co-ordinator ………………………………………………………………………………….

Consultant ………………………………………………………………………………………….

Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) ………………………………………………………….

Support Worker ……………………………………………………………………………………

Occupational Therapist …………………………………………………………………………..

Social Worker ………………………………………………………………………………………

Other …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Care Programme Approach (CPA) is a way of planning and co-ordinating your care after you leave hospital. It helps make sure that you are supported in a way that fits your individual health and care needs. CPA includes:
• Assessing your needs with you
• Developing a plan in response to the needs identified and agreed
• Sharing responsibility with you (and others as needed) to put the plan into action
• Reviewing the plan with you to check that it is meeting your needs and to agree any changes

What is meant by Care Co-ordination?
Care Co-ordination describes the process of how mental health services assess your needs, plan ways to meet them and check that they are being met. You should always feel able to ask mental health workers to explain this process clearly to you.

Who will be my Care Co-ordinator?
Your care co-ordinator will usually be a nurse, social worker or occupational therapist. Ideally they should be the person who knows you best and with whom you feel most comfortable to talk with. You should always be informed of the name and contact details of your care co-ordinator.

What does a Care Plan look like?
A care plan is usually a detailed form which states your needs, the range of services required and who will provide these services. It might include things like your medication, your support at home and finance or other personal needs. The process of CPA is also about recognising what you are able to do and what you want to do (your strengths). A copy of the care plan will be given to you to keep.

What does a CPA review look like?
A CPA review is not all about complicated forms and meetings; it is about discussing and writing down your needs and checking they are being met. Reviews should recognise any progress that has been made and involve discussion of all elements of your care plan.

How do I call a review?
You (or your carer) and anyone providing services can call a review. If you feel that a review is needed, you should contact your care co-ordinator who will assist you with making the arrangements. A review should be flexible about where and when it happens and who attends – you might like to invite a family member or friend who supports you.

The Trust produces a booklet ‘Care Co-ordination including Care Programme Approach (CPA) – A guide for people with mental health problems and their carers’. Copies are available from staff or the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288.

People can have setbacks. On leaving hospital you will have a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) in place that was developed with you. This plan will identify any early signs that you are aware of that may mean you are becoming unwell and what you and your care team should do to prevent you becoming more unwell. You will also have a plan in place should you become unwell.

• Association for Post-Natal Illness
Tel: 0207 386 0868
www.apni.org
For women who are experiencing depression following the birth of their baby.

• Mind Infoline
Tel: 0300 123 3393
www.mind.org.uk
Provides information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy. Also provides details of help and support for people in their own area. Helpline available Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm.

• PANDAS – Postnatal Depression Awareness and Support
Helpline 0808 1961 776
www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/
PANDAS supports families suffering from pre (antenatal) and postnatal illnesses. , Support groups and online advice available.

• Postnatal Illness UK
www.pni.org.uk
Provide a mutual support forum for women and families affected by antenatal or postnatal depression. No helpline provided.

• Rethink
Advice and information helpline: 0808 801 0525
www.rethink.org
Provides information and a helpline for anyone affected by mental health problems.

• Samaritans
Tel: 116 123
www.samaritans.org
Provides confidential support for anyone in a crisis.

• SANELine
Tel: 0300 304 7000
www.sane.org.uk
Offers practical information, crisis care and emotional support.

• Patient Information Centre – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Provides a range of health information covering conditions, treatments, medication and health promotion Tel: 0191 246 7288.

• NHS Website
www.nhs.uk
Information about conditions, treatments, local services and healthy lives.

As a member of our NHS Foundation Trust you can be as active a member as you would like, from just receiving regular information about the Trust to getting involved in issues that you care about. The choice is yours!

To become a member, all you need to do is complete a membership application form or join online at www.cntw.nhs.uk/about/membership. Membership is free and members can also benefit from discounts for many shops and services.

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Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre
Tel: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/745/0824 August 2024 V6
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2027