Hospital Care

Some people can experience a period of severe mental illness for which they need treatment in hospital. When this happens, most people are admitted to hospital in exactly the same way as people suffering from any other kind of health problem: a doctor recommends that they go into hospital and they agree. These individuals are called voluntary or informal patients and are free to leave hospital at any time.

Some patients are admitted compulsorily under a section of the Mental Health Act 1983 and remain in hospital for a specified length of time.

This usually happens because they are seriously ill and unable or unwilling to give their consent. The application for admission is made either by the person's nearest relative or, more usually, an Approved Social Worker (ASW).

The admission must be supported by two doctors (or in the case of an emergency, only one doctor). This would usually be the person's GP and a consultant or another approved doctor. People admitted to hospital this way are called formal or detained patients and are free to leave only with the knowledge and permission of the consultant.

Formal patients can appeal to a Mental Health Review Tribunal if they wish to challenge the order under which they are held.

The law about formal admissions is contained in the Mental Health Act 1983. This is an Act of Parliament and it lays down all the rules concerning admissions, length of stay, appeals etc.

St Luke's Hospital

Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Tel: 01642 516147
St Luke’s Hospital provides In-patient services for people with acute mental health needs.

Alternatives to Hospital

TEWV Trust also run a small unit of crisis accommodation as an alternative to inpatient care, where appropriate. Referrals can't be made directly except where this has been agreed between the Crisis Resolution Team and the individual service users (and their family if appropriate). The service can be accessed through a GP, social worker or voluntary organisation such as Mind.