Castleside Day Hospital is based in Alnwood at St Nicholas Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. The service provides assessment and treatment for people aged over 65 years who are experiencing mental health or psychological problems.
We hope you find the following information useful. If you have any questions please speak to a member of staff.
Castleside Day Hospital is based in Alnwood at St Nicholas Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The service provides assessment and treatment for people aged over 65 years who are experiencing mental health problems. Our aim is to help people continue to maintain their independence in the community and to maintain good mental health and wellbeing.
We are open 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (closed Bank Holidays). Out of hours there is an answerphone where messages can be left.
A small committed team of qualified mental health nurses, support workers, medical staff and an occupational therapist will be looking after your relative on a day to day basis. Other staff from physiotherapy, podiatry and the psychology service may be involved in your relative’s care following referral by our team.
The named nurse for your relative will make contact with yourself, introduce themself and discuss any particular arrangements that might be necessary. Some background information about your relative is often very helpful.
If any physical ill-health or injury occurs whilst your relative is not attending the day hospital you should inform your relative’s GP.
Your relative has been asked to attend the Castleside Day Hospital as part of their assessment and treatment plan. We will get to know your relative and carry out a full, comprehensive assessment which may include:
- psychological testing
- scans
- physical examination.
After 6-8 weeks a review meeting will be held at the Day Hospital to discuss the assessment and further treatment plans where appropriate. We hope you will be able to come along to the meeting and we will be in touch regarding arrangements. Further review meetings will be arranged as treatment continues.
The reviews are led by the Consultant Psychiatrist at the Day Hospital and all of the clinical team who have been involved in your relative’s care will be present. The patient will also be involved in discussions and decision making. It will be an opportunity for you to join in the decision making and discuss any concerns you may have. It is also an opportunity for us to make sure you have all the information you need.
If you wish at any time to see any member of the team separately then please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate this.
A wide range of social and therapeutic activities are on offer throughout the week, eg.
- quizzes
- discussion groups
- live music
- reminiscence
- relaxation techniques
- yoga
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
- a range of psychological therapies
In good weather there are often trips out and about to places of local interest and a small walking group go out for fresh air and exercise.
We also have a small team of Social Activity Volunteers who supplement the range of activities on offer by arranging board games, table games and social interactions. The volunteers are fully trained, supervised and supported whilst engaging in activities.
Castleside Day Hospital is not a Day Centre and therefore once treatment and intervention plans have been completed, we will discuss discharge plans and continuing support arrangements. This may involve referral to an alternative Day Care as we cannot provide this long-term at the Day Hospital.
Staff will signpost you to useful agencies focused on carer support and offer you support and information around looking after yourself, treatments and interventions and understanding mental health.
The Chaplaincy Department visit the Day Hospital regularly to offer pastoral care and regular multi-denominational services take place at Easter and Christmas.
We can make any special faith arrangements that people might need, such as particular diets or prayer space.
The hospital has a smokefree policy which covers the whole Trust site, including all buildings, wards and outdoor areas. This means you are not allowed to smoke while you are anywhere on the grounds of one of our sites. Smoking in any building is also a breach of the law (the Smoke Free Regulations) and may result in a fine of up to £200.
Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Tel: 0191 246 6800
Website: www.
Alzheimer’s Society
National Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 1122 (Mon-Wed, 9am-8pm, Thur-Fri, 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm)
Email: enquires
Website: www.
The Alzheimer’s Society is a care and research organisation for people with dementia and their carers. They have local offices throughout the country and offer practical and emotional support and advice.
Age UK
Tel: 0800 678 1602 (Mon-Sun, 8am-7pm)
Website: www.
Age UK provide information or advice on anything from health to housing.
Newcastle Carers Centre
135-139 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1DN
Tel: 0191 275 5060
Email: info
Website: www.
Provide information, one-to-one support, opportunities to join carers groups or take part in events and activities, as well as sessions with counsellors and complementary therapists. Also offers training for carers and professionals.
North Tyneside Carers Centre
3rd Floor, YMCA Building, Church Way, North Shields, NE29 0AB
Tel: 0191 643 2298
Email: enquiries
Website: www.
Provides emotional and practical support for carers living in North Tyneside, plus social activities, training and support.
Carers UK
Advice line: 0808 808 7777 10am-4pm, Monday and Tuesday
Email: advice
Website: www.
Carers UK provides information on your rights and how to get help.
Dementia Matters
Email: info
Website: www.
Castleside Day Hospital
Alnwood
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Phone: 0191 246 8736
You can talk to a staff member or use the contacts listed below. See other ways to give feedback.
Your Voice
You can use this email to tell us what you think about your care. This can be good or bad. You can also ask us to tell you what happens after you send feedback.
Email: yourvoice
Comments and complaints
If something went wrong, please tell us. This will help us improve services.
Email: complaints
Telephone: 0191 245 6672
Write to: Complaints Department, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3XT.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS offer a free, confidential service. They can help if you are worried about your care. They support patients, families and carers.
PALS North of Tyne
(services in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and North Cumbria)
Email: pals
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
PALS South of Tyne
(services in Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Lotus Ward, Middlesbrough)
Email: pals
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
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Published by the Patient Information Centre
2026 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/701/0626 June 2026 V9
Review date 2028
Website: www.