The Fens

Admission

What does admission to hospital involve?

Being admitted to a hospital can be a distressing experience for you and your loved ones. This may be the first time you stay with us or you may have been here before. We recognise that this may be difficult for you. Our aim is to support you during your stay.

Why am I here?

You have been admitted to the ward to:

• learn how to manage and live with your behaviour
• gain confidence and rebuild self esteem
• rebuild skills in order to return to living in the most appropriate setting for you
• help to understand what is happening to me

What will happen after I arrive?

When you arrive on the ward, you will be greeted by a member of ward staff and will be taken around the ward and shown where your bedroom is. You will be informed who your named nurse is. Your belongings will be logged and stored in a safe place

How will your needs be assessed?

Your needs will be assessed through the following:

• You will be seen by the doctor to admit you to the ward
• Physical observations to monitor physical healthcare 
• Risk assessment to maintain safety
• Input from a psychologist to help manage coping skills
• You will work with occupational therapy to rebuild the skills you had so that you can leave hospital
• You will spend time with your care team so that you can gain awareness of your symptoms and take control of your life and future goals

As you are on a section of the Mental Health Act (2007) any leave you want to take will be discussed following a two week assessment period.

What will you need during your stay?

Please provide your own:

• toiletries
• clothes
• personal items

Bed linen and towels are provided by the ward and will be replaced regularly.

Where can I store my belongings?

In your room there is some storage space. Further information will be given to you prior to admission about how much property can be stored in your room.

Discovery house also has a locked room in the hub where belongings can be stored securely. 

What can’t I bring onto the ward?

Prohibited items:

• Alcohol
• Drugs and illicit substances
• Weapons
• Pornographic material (unless vetted by the psychologist)
• Mobile phones - these can be used on community leave but must be handed in upon return to the ward
• Valuables - if they are not handed in, the trust cannot take responsibility
• Bank credit or debit card. These must be handed into staff and recorded.
• Lighters and matches
• Scissors, tweezers and razors Items that should be declared to nursing staff
• Food items
• Toiletries and aerosols

When you arrive onto the ward for the first time and when you return from leave, you will be patted down by a member of the nursing team.

You may also be asked to take an alcohol breathalyser test or complete a drug screen.

What type of staff work on the ward?

Nursing

Nurses provide you with 24 hour care and the nursing team comprises of:

• Ward Manager
• Clinical Team Leader
• Staff Nurses
• Nursing Assistants
• Student Nurses Housekeepers

Medical

The medical team consists of:

• Responsible Clinician (consultant)
• Staff Grade Doctor

Therapists

Other disciplines that will help you during your stay are:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Assistant Psychologists
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physiotherapists
• Physiotherapy Assistants
• Pharmacists

What forms of treatment are available?

The following forms of treatment are available on the ward:

• Medical interventions
• Psychological therapies
• Occupational therapy
• Community integration
• Personal care
• Education
• Vocational training
• Self harm and self help groups
• Recreational and social activity

During your stay

What is life like on the ward?

The fens has a daily programme which you will be asked to participate in. All activities offered help you to achieve the skills and self confidence which are important in your recovery journey.

Can I smoke on the ward?

Smoking is permitted each hour in the secure garden between the times of 6.30am and 11.30pm.

E cigarettes are also allowed to be used in the designated area between these times.

What do you expect of me?

• To participate in the daily programme
• To have regular one to one time with your named nurse
• To be respectful of others
• Be willing to work with staff in order to move forward
• Manners
• To be fully engaged and co-operate with your care

If the environment we offer does not suit your current needs, alternative placements may be offered. Speak to your named nurse at your one to ones or weekly meetings

How do I make a complaint?

Initially speak to the nurse in charge of the shift. If this does not help, then please speak to the ward manager. If you put your complaint in writing, the trust has a procedure to follow and a copy of this will be handed to you.

Who can provide me with advice?

• Consultant
• Staff grade psychiatrist
• Named nurse
• Care team
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Advocate
• Solicitor

How can I get help and advice once I’ve been discharged?

• Outpatient appointment
• Assertive outreach team
• Recovery teams
• Crisis team

How will my discharge be planned?

Discharge begins from the day you are admitted. Throughout your stay you will have three monthly CPA’s where your care will be discussed. You will work with your care team to build on your strengths and help plan interventions to meet your needs. Discharge will be planned in conjunction with you and at your pace

Rehabilitation service philosophy

People who stayed on our wards have guided our philosophy of care based on their hopes and expectations:

• Be prepared to engage
• Respecting different beliefs
• Inspiring
• See beyond labels
• Mutual respect
• Open and honest
• Innovative and creative
• Acceptance
• Relaxed
• Homely environment
• Purposeful activity
• Choice and independence
• Listen and learn
• Person centred
• Life after rehab 
• Doing what we promise
• Partners in care together

What is the Care Programme Approach (CPA)

What is the care programme approach (CPA)?

A multi-agency meeting held every three months to discuss progress and continuing areas to develop. Throughout your time with us you will become more involved. It is a way of planning and coordinating your care, which fits in with individual needs and strengths.

The CPA includes:

• assessing your needs with you
• developing a plan in response to identified needs
• putting the plan into action, sharing the responsibility with you
• reviewing the plan to make sure it is meeting your needs and agreeing any changes