The NHS is responsible for finding a hospital that is best able to care for you, but this may not be close to where you live. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides most of the mental health hospitals in West Sussex.
If there is a delay before a hospital is found, you should be given extra support at home to keep you safe from harm. This might include being provided with some medication on a temporary basis.
You may be taken to hospital in an ambulance. Or you may be able to go in a taxi or be taken there by your carers, family or friends. The important thing is that you have decided you want to be in hospital, so you should go there in the way that best suits you.
When you arrive, the hospital staff will introduce you to the facilities and show you to your room. Mental health hospitals have single en-suite rooms and shared dining and leisure facilities. There may be a gym, quiet lounge or enclosed garden that you can use.
You will be told how your care and treatment will be arranged, and whether there are any restrictions that you need to be aware of.
The arrangements for people visiting you in hospital will also be explained.
If I go to hospital, how long will I stay?
If you are admitted as a voluntary patient, you will need to speak to the medical and nursing staff about what you want to achieve from your stay in hospital and work out a plan together.
The main priority is to help you get better and support you to leave hospital when the time is right and it is safe for you to do so. Your carers, family and friends will be involved if you would like them to be included.
You could be referred to mental health services in your local community. If you are already in contact with any of those services, they should get in touch with you before you leave hospital. Other services may need to be put in place and should be arranged before you leave hospital.
If I don't go to hospital, what will happen instead?
If you are not going to be admitted to hospital, the assessment team will discuss with you what can be done instead. They will want to discuss what you are going to do to keep yourself safe and well, and whether you need any particular support to do this.
You may already be in contact with local mental health services, and these should continue to support you. If you need help to access other community services you should ask the AMHP for advice.
You may want to make an appointment with your GP to discuss follow-up support, including any medication or talking therapies that could help you.