Welcome Guide – The Regional Affective Disorders Service (RADS)

This Welcome Pack provides information about the Regional Affective Disorder inpatient unit, the staff, and the treatments and therapies that will be available to you. It contains a lot of information, so it may be helpful to read a bit at a time.

Your named nurse will discuss the Welcome Pack with you when you are first admitted and will try to answer any questions about its contents during your stay.  There is a service leaflet available which provides specific information about the ward.

Please keep this pack and all of your personal information in a safe place and do not share your information with other patients.

The Trust greatly values the very important work of family and friends caring for people who use our services. We believe that carers should be involved in decisions made about the person they care for and we will give carers the opportunity to be involved in decisions about your care and treatment.

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.

Where possible a pre-admission visit to the unit will be arranged to meet the Multi
Disciplinary Team (MDT) to discuss a plan for admission.

Why have I come to hospital?
You have been admitted to the ward so that your mental health needs can be fully assessed.

The ward provides a place of safety where specialist team members can offer the care that best meets your needs.

The aim of admission is to aid your recovery, helping you to return to your everyday life by finding the treatment that is right for you.

Wherever possible, staff will try to involve you in decisions about your care.

What will happen when I arrive?
On arrival you will be welcomed by a member of the team who will show you around the ward.
• Bedroom – you will be shown your room. We will try and keep your bedroom the same one throughout your stay, however there may be circumstances when we have to ask you to move rooms but only if there is a clinical need on the ward.
• Personal belongings – a member of staff will also show you where you can leave your belongings.
• Toilet, bathroom, TV and telephone – we will show you where these are.
• Lounge/sitting room – you will be shown the sitting room and when you feel well enough you will be introduced to other people on the ward.

You will also be given a copy of this Welcome Pack and advised of who your named nurse will be.

Bed linen and towels are supplied and will be replaced regularly during your stay.

Where can I store my things?
You may have access to a small locker where you can keep your clothes and personal
belongings. The Patients Finance Office will store any money or valuables for safekeeping and provide you with a receipt for your items.

What should I bring with me?
You may bring the following items to make your stay more comfortable:
• Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
• Toiletries
• Watch
• Telephone numbers, address book, writing materials
• Sweets, snacks
• Books, magazines, reading glasses

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
• Sharp objects
• Razor blades should be handed to staff
• Alcohol and any non-prescribed or illicit drugs. (If illegal drugs are found the Police will be contacted)
• Weapons of any kind
• Offensive literature

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

Soon after arriving on the ward a series of assessments will take place which look in detail at your needs. Your carer, family and friends, with your permission, can also be involved in discussions. The assessments will be recorded in your care plan.

These include:
An assessment of your state of mental health – this involves staff talking with you and monitoring your activity. In some cases a member of staff may need to be with you at all times.

An assessment of your social situation and needs – this looks at your housing, employment, leisure and family welfare issues. A risk assessment – this helps maintain your safety.

A physical healthcare assessment – this involves being examined by a doctor and various tests such as blood pressure, blood tests and urine sample testing. Some medications require these tests to be repeated regularly.

Within 72 hours the team will carry out a detailed assessment of your needs. A care plan will be completed which sets out the care and treatment you require during your stay. You are entitled to be involved in decisions about your care plan and will receive a copy to keep. If you agree we will also share this information with your carer.

You can expect to have at least two one to one sessions per week with your named nurse.  Other members of the nursing team are also available and able to support your needs in the absence of your named nurse.

What are contact sessions?
Contact sessions are an opportunity to develop a therapeutic relationship between yourself and nursing staff. They will focus on your individual needs and your journey towards recovery. This may be based on your Recovery Star, which is a tool that enables staff to support and work with you to understand your recovery and plot your progress.

What can I talk about at the contact sessions?
You can discuss any issues that you feel are important to you. These may include:
• Changes in your mental health, your mood, thoughts, feelings and symptoms etc
• Your observation levels or Mental Health Act status
• Your current medication, side effects you may be experiencing
• Any physical health or drug and alcohol issues
• Your sleep pattern, appetite
• Leave arrangements, any requests you may have
• Your coping strategies
• Social circumstances, i.e. accommodation, finances etc

Throughout your stay there will be opportunities for you to be involved in discussions about your care. Your wishes will be carefully listened to and treatment decisions should have your agreement.

If you have come into hospital on a voluntary basis then you are free to leave the ward as and when you choose. It would be beneficial to speak to a member of staff before deciding to leave the ward to make sure that your safety and welfare are not compromised. The Trust produces a booklet about your rights as an informal/voluntary patient, copies are available from staff or the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288.

However, there may be times when this is not possible. If you are ‘sectioned’ under the Mental Health Act staff may have the power to prevent you from leaving the ward or to insist that you take medication. Such decisions will only be made in your best interest, when staff believe you are at serious risk.

We recognise that sharing information between carers and staff is vital to your care and treatment.

Providing your carer with information about care plans and medication, and advising them on managing a crisis, can help them to deal with difficult situations.

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 mentally 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 d

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 0191 246 7288.

Mental Health Act 1983
You may be kept in hospital even if you want to go home, this is sometimes called
‘sectioned’ or ‘detained’. You will always be given an explanation and written information should this happen so you understand what your rights are. Sometimes this could mean we give you medication for mental disorder without your consent. However, we will always include you in decision making about your care and treatment.

Factsheets on each section of the Mental Health Act are available on the wards – please ask a member of staff for a copy relevant to your circumstances. Copies are also available from the Mental Health Act Office and Patient Information Centre website ww.cntw.nhs.uk/pic/mha

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 do not have capacity. Where people ‘lack capacity’ we will always act in their best interests.

Informal/voluntary patients
An informal/voluntary patient is someone who has agreed to come into hospital. This means they have the right to leave the ward at any time although we do ask that patients stay on the ward for the first few days so that patients and staff can get to know each other. Please be aware that staff have a duty of care towards patients, and the staff are expected to know where they are at all times. Staff are also required to assess patients before they leave the ward. If staff have concerns about the patient leaving the ward, they must arrange a further assessment. The outcome of this assessment will be discussed with the patient (and carer where appropriate) and may result in patients not being allowed to leave the ward. The Trust produces a booklet about your rights as an informal/voluntary patient, copies are available from staff or the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288.

Locked doors
Please be aware that it is normal for most of the exit doors in our inpatient areas to be locked. This is for patient’s security and safety. Patients should always know how and if they can leave the ward and peoples individual circumstances can differ greatly. If patients are unsure about how and if they can leave the ward they should always ask staff to give them information about this

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability and neuro-rehabilitation services to a population of 1.7 million people in North Cumbria, Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland.

We are one of the largest mental health and disability organisations in the country with an income of £380 million and 7,000 staff. We operate from over 70 sites and provide a range of comprehensive services including regional and national specialist services.

There are likely to be many practical things to consider while you are in hospital. Your named nurse 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
• Make your community team aware of your admission, inform your care co-ordinator.

Staff on the ward can help you with any financial concerns while you are in hospital. For example, they can complete an inpatient medical certificate to verify your inability to work, or write letters on your behalf to resolve financial issues. Staff will also help you to understand your benefit entitlements.

A few frequently asked questions are answered below:
Will being in hospital affect my benefits?
This depends upon what type of benefits you were receiving before your admission. If you were claiming Income Support prior to your admission you are entitled to the same benefits for one year. Other benefits can be affected by a hospital admission so it is important that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is informed. If you were transferred from prison, staff will assist you to claim for any new benefits that you might be entitled to.

Where can I get help to sort out my benefits?
Staff will refer you to Patients Finance if you need any advice or support on benefits. You can also speak to someone from the Citizens Advice Bureau on the Tyneadviceline Tel: 0344 245 1288. Or for information online please go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk

What happens when I leave hospital?
This depends on your individual circumstances. In most cases if your money was reduced while you were in hospital it should revert to the full amount when you are discharged. The DWP need to be informed of your discharge to make these calculations.

If you are granted overnight or hostel leave you are eligible to full entitlement for those dates.

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

Meetings
Each week you will be asked to attend both of the following meetings.
The nursing team will hand over to ward consultant and junior doctors weekly regarding your progress over the week. You will then receive a 1:1 with ward consultant to discuss any issues and current plan.

You will be asked to attend ward round weekly with the multi disciplinary team to discuss your current plan and set plan for the next week.

We encourage any community support you may have and would like to involve them within your care and treatment by inviting community teams to regular ward round meetings, we would also like to involve families and carers in your care and treatment by inviting them to regular ward round meetings.

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.

Housekeeping
Keeps the ward clean and tidy, a housekeeping service is provided within all inpatient areas every day. There may also be a washing machine for you to do your own laundry.

Meals
Your meals will be provided on the ward. You will be offered a menu and you choose your meals in advance. Drinks are available 24 hours a day. On some wards you will be encouraged to prepare your own meals. If you have special dietary needs or cultural needs please discuss these with your named nurse.

Protected meal times
Arrangements are in place so you can enjoy your meal without any interruptions.

Toilets and bathrooms
The ward has toilets, showers and baths for you to use as you need.

Garden
All wards have access to a garden, which you will be able to use throughout the day.

Visitors
Your family, friends and carers are welcome to visit you. There is a room on the ward where you can spend time with your visitors. Please ask a member of staff about visiting times.

There is overnight accommodation available on the St Nicholas Hospital site for up
visitors. Please ask ward staff for more details.

Telephones
There is a payphone on the ward that can be used for personal calls. You can also use your
own mobile phone. Your family, friends and carers can also use these numbers to make
calls to you.

A multi-disciplinary team approach is taken to your care on the ward. This means that there
are many different people available to help you. Staff include:

Nursing
• Ward Manager – the ward manager is a nurse, is responsible for your care and provides
both managerial and clinical leadership to all staff on the ward.
• Senior Clinical Nurse Lead – Provides clinical leadership and guidance to all staff on
the ward and will deputise in the absence of ward manager.
• Nurse in charge – this is the nurse who is in charge of a shift and is responsible for
ensuring the smooth running of the ward.
• Staff Nurse – a qualified nurse who is a Registered Mental Health Nurse.
• 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 key point of
contact during your stay. All named nurses are staff nurses.
• Support Worker, Nursing Assistant, Health Care Assistant – supports the nursing
staff in caring for you.

Medical
• Consultant Psychiatrists – are the most senior doctors in the hospital, with overall
responsibility for your care. They lead on important decisions about your treatment and
discharge. You will be introduced to your Consultant within 72 hours of admission 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.

Therapists
• Occupational Therapists (OTs) – will provide therapeutic groups and activities
throughout your stay.
• Physiotherapists – work with you to help restore movement. They provide any
necessary physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
• Exercise Therapists – will 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 will
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.
• Dietitians – 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.
• Service Assistant – will ensure that there is a high level of cleanliness maintained on the
ward.
• 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 17 ‘Information the Trust keeps about you’.

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.

A pharmacist will be available to assist with concerns or queries.

There are also many leaflets available with detailed information about individual medications.  Staff on the ward will be able to supply these.

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. The helpline number is 0191 245 6604.

Psychology
Clinical Psychologists help improve a person’s sense of wellbeing and mental health. They
help people to think about possibilities for change and alternative ways of coping. Clinical
Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

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 programme 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 healthy eating, exercise and stress management.
• Work, training and education to help you develop the skills and confidence to take part in
paid or unpaid work, courses and training.
• Leisure activities such as pursuing a hobby or sport.
• Relating to yourself and others to improve your confidence and self esteem and help you
to develop coping strategies.

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 will 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, badminton, healthy eating
and weight management. You will receive regular progress reviews to monitor your progress
and help achieve your goals. You will receive support to continue with your exercise plan
after discharge from the ward.

If you have religious or cultural needs the staff will help to support you. This could include
needing a different diet or dressing differently. You can talk to a chaplain if you would like to.
We have a team of chaplains from different faith communities who can be available to visit
you throughout the week, including weekends.

St Nicholas Hospital
There is a Christian service in the Hospital Chapel on Tuesday mornings from 9.45am to
10.15am. The Chapel may also be used at any time for personal prayers. A prayer-mat and
wudu ablution facilities are provided for Muslims. Please ask staff or call at the chapel for a
most up-to-date leaflet concerning Spiritual Care at St Nicholas Hospital.

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 2018, 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 Team
Medical Records 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.
• 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. Please ask a member of staff for details of the advocacy services available.

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
www.cntw.nhs.uk (click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab)
• 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/poy
– complete a Points of You survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff.

Leaving hospital can be an important life event so it is essential that you receive good quality
discharge care. Plans around your discharge should commence soon after admission and be
part of all care planning processes. Carers will be involved in the planning of any discharge.

The following suggestions are things you might need to consider before leaving the ward:
• Do you have accommodation?
• Is your housing secure and fit to live in?
• Do you have your keys?
• Is your gas and electricity connected?
• Are your finances sorted out?

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

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.

Mind Infoline
Tel: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm, Monday to Friday)
www.mind.org.uk
15-19 Broadway, Stratford, London, E15 4BQ
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.

Rethink
Advice service: 0808 801 0525 (9.30am -4pm, Mon-Fri excluding bank holidays)
www.rethink.org
89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP
Provides information and a helpline for anyone affected by mental health problems.

Samaritans
Tel: 116 123 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
www.samaritans.org
PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA
Provides confidential support for anyone in a crisis.

SANELine
Tel: 0300 304 7000
www.sane.org.uk
1st Floor, Cityside House, 40 Adler Street, London, E1 1EE
Offers practical information, crisis care and emotional support. Helpline available 4.30pm10.30pm

Patient Information Centre – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS
Foundation Trust
Provides a range of health information covering conditions, treatments, medication and
health promotion. Information is available in alternative formats and languages.
www.cntw.nhs.uk or Tel: 0191 246 7288.

The 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 on-line at www.cntw.nhs.uk and click on ‘About us’ and choose ‘Membership’. Membership is free and members can also benefit from discounts for many shops and services. If you are 16 years old and over and interested in learning more about becoming a Governor for the Children and Young People’s Service, please contact the Membership Office on 0191 245 6827 or email [email protected] More information can then be provided about the criteria.

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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
2022 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref, PIC/59/0822 August 2022 V5

www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2025