Admission as an informal patient to a mental health unit

This leaflet has been developed for those who are considering admission to hospital for assessment, care, and treatment of their mental health. As an informal patient there are certain considerations that you need to know before agreeing to admission.

As an informal patient you would be expected to actively participate with the clinical team involved in your care. This will involve doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. It is hoped that you will participate with the agreed treatment plan which could include medication, nursing and psychological interventions, occupational therapy, and specialist mental health care.

Occupational therapy and psychology sessions are also available, and you will be encouraged to attend these during your time on the ward.

With your agreement, and where appropriate, we would usually involve your family and friends in the development of your treatment plan.

Restrictions while in hospital

While in hospital you will be required to agree to some restrictions which may be necessary to keep you and other patients on the ward safe.

These are:

1. as an informal patient you have the right to ask that you are discharged from hospital at any time. However, nursing staff will ask you to wait to see a doctor before you leave. If the care team do not believe that leaving hospital is in your best interests, or if they have concerns about your safety if you left hospital, they may arrange for you to be assessed under the Mental Health Act (1983)
2. the doors to our wards are locked for security reasons and you will not be able to leave without discussion with a senior member of staff
3. out of hours the doors to the mental health units are also locked for security reasons
4. you will usually be expected to stay on the ward for a minimum period of 72 hours to enable an assessment of your presenting mental health needs
5. the trust operates a RDaSH smoke free policy in its premises and on its grounds, which you will be expected to adhere to. The use of disposable e-cigarettes is permitted by inpatients, which are available on the ward. These can only be used in designated outdoor spaces
6. the use of alcohol, any illegal substances or medication that is not prescribed for you is not permitted either on the ward or on the hospital grounds. If you are suspected to be under the influence of any illegal substance you may be breathalysed and,  or requested to provide a supervised urine sample for drug screening. A positive test result could end in you being discharged from the ward. Restricted items will be removed and disposed of as per trust policy. This may potentially involve a report to the police
7. there are some items which you are not able to bring onto the ward or keep in your room. These are known as blanket restrictions, which include weapons and sharp items. You will be asked if you have any particular items with you when you arrive at the ward
8. on arrival at the ward staff will carry out a search of your belongings to ensure both your own safety and the safety of others. Searches may also be carried out when you return to the ward from leave, if staff have any concerns regarding your health and safety and others. All this will be documented
9. staff will carry out regular observations on the ward to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing is monitored. This means they will check where you are on the ward at least every hour, including during the night
10. there are fixed mealtimes on the wards. You are welcome to bring snacks onto the ward but due to health and safety reasons you are unable to re-heat any food items or keep food in your bedroom. We will safely store such items for you in the kitchen area of the ward
11. visiting times are restricted. This is to support treatment plans and protected mealtimes. We ask that visits do not coincide with mealtimes wherever possible. You need to ask ward staff if visits are needed outside visiting hours and exceptions can be made. You will need to speak to the nursing staff if you would like to arrange for children to visit
12. the trust operates a zero tolerance to aggressive, violent, or threatening behaviour and any incidents will be reported to the police and may result in you being discharged from the ward. You will be asked to consent to these restrictions

Page last reviewed: September 13, 2024
Next review due: September 13, 2025