Frequently asked questions 

You will be supported by your MDT. The MDT bring together staff from different professional backgrounds to discuss, agree and review your care. This may include: 

• Psychiatrists 
• Psychologists 
• Nurses 
• occupational therapists 
• social workers 
• Pharmacists 
• speech and language therapists 
• physical health professionals

king together, the team can ensure care is tailored to your needs, goals and progress.  

You will also have a Care Co-ordinator who will work closely with you and help coordinate your care. 

This depends on your care plan and where you are in your recovery. 

Activities may include: 

• sport and exercise 
• art and music 
• education 
• volunteering 
• work experience 
• therapy and activities designed to develop everyday living skills

Visits are encouraged where appropriate, but arrangements vary between wards and services. 

Visits normally need to be booked in advance and there may be security requirements or restrictions on what can be brought onto the ward. 

Speak to your ward team or named contact before arranging a visit.

Patients have access to telephone facilities, although arrangements vary according to the service and individual circumstances. 

Email and video calls may also be possible. 

Your care team can explain what options are available to you.

Yes, where appropriate and with your consent. 

Families and carers can provide valuable information and may be involved in care planning, reviews, recovery and discharge planning. 

You have rights around confidentiality, so your care team will explain what information can be shared.

Restrictions vary between wards and services. 

Some items, including certain electrical items, food, toiletries, sharp objects, mobile phones or cameras, may be restricted. 

Please speak to your ward team before bringing anything onto the ward. 

You will normally be able to bring personal belongings, but there are restrictions on some items and limits on the amount of property that can be stored. 

Your ward team will provide information about what you can bring before admission. 

St Andrew’s Healthcare has been smoke-free since January 2017 meaning you cannot smoke on any of the hospital sites. 

If you have specialist equipment or other requirements, discuss these with the team before you arrive. 

Yes. Physical health is part of your overall care.

Depending on your needs, you may have access to professionals such as GPs, dentists, physiotherapists, dietitians and podiatrists. 

Yes. Independent advocacy is available to support patients to understand their rights, express their views and take part in meetings and other processes. 

Ask your ward team for information about accessing advocacy or click here for more information.

Yes. We can provide information in formats designed to make it easier for you to understand, which may include Easy Read, large print, audio or British Sign Language. 

Speak to your care team if you need information in a particular format.

Discharge planning starts as part of your wider care and treatment. 

Your team will work with you, and where appropriate your family, carers and community services, to plan the next stage of your care. 

This may include developing independence, arranging accommodation and support, connecting with community services and preparing for life outside hospital.

If you are worried about any aspect of your care or treatment, we encourage you to speak up. There are several ways you can raise a concern.  

Click here to find out all the different speak up channels which are available to patients.

You can tell us about your experience, suggest an improvement, raise a concern or make a complaint. 

You can also give positive feedback about something that went well.

View our compliments and complaints page here

Families and carers can speak to their named St Andrew's Healthcare contact or our Carers Centre for information, support and signposting. You can also ask your local authority about a carer's assessment. 

View our Family and Carers information here.