Frequently Asked Questions

Home Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our services, treatments, and patient care. If you have further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

General FAQs

At Apple Hill Hospital, we specialise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. We provide tailored care for those experiencing acute mental health crises.

We accept referrals from NHS healthcare professionals, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and private individuals. For more information on making a referral, please visit our Make a Referral page.

Yes, we offer inpatient care in our modern, well-equipped wards. Our wards are designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment where patients can begin their recovery. For more details, please visit the Our Wards section on our homepage.

Our services are designed for adults experiencing acute mental health issues who require specialist inpatient care. We accept NHS patients as well as private individuals. Please visit our Who We Support page for more information on eligibility criteria.

Our care pathway is focused on holistic, person-centred treatment. During your stay, you will receive a comprehensive assessment, followed by a tailored treatment plan developed by our multidisciplinary team. Our aim is to support you on your journey towards mental wellbeing.

Yes, family involvement is a key aspect of our approach to care. We encourage family members to visit patients during designated visiting hours. For more information on support for families, visit the Patients and Families section of our website.

We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and any prescribed medications. Please avoid bringing valuables or prohibited items such as sharp objects or alcohol. You will receive a more detailed list upon admission.

The length of your stay depends on your individual treatment plan. Some patients may stay for a few weeks, while others may require longer-term care. Your treatment team will work closely with you to determine the best approach for your recovery.

Discharge planning begins early in your treatment to ensure a smooth transition back to your community. Our team will provide ongoing support and coordination with external services to ensure you have the necessary resources in place post-discharge.

Currently, we primarily offer inpatient services. However, we work closely with community mental health teams to provide follow-up care and support once you are discharged from our facility.

You can contact Apple Hill Hospital by phone, email, or through our website’s contact form. Our Contact Us page has all the relevant details.

FAQs for Families of a Sectioned Loved One

When a loved one is sectioned under the Mental Health Act, it can be a distressing and confusing time for families and carers. Below are some common questions and answers to help you better understand the process and how you can support your loved one.

Being sectioned means that your loved one has been detained in a hospital for assessment or treatment of a mental health condition under the Mental Health Act 1983. This usually happens if they are deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others, and voluntary treatment is not considered appropriate at that time.

The duration of a section varies depending on the specific section of the Mental Health Act applied. For example:

  • Section 2: Detention for assessment and treatment for up to 28 days.
  • Section 3: Detention for treatment for up to six months, with the possibility of renewal if necessary.

The care team will review your loved one’s condition regularly and will inform you of any changes in their status.

Yes, family members can usually visit a loved one who has been sectioned, although there may be specific visiting times or guidelines to follow depending on their care needs. We encourage families to stay involved, as your support can be important to their recovery. Please contact the hospital to arrange visits.

With your loved one’s consent, the hospital team can keep you informed about their treatment and progress. However, if your loved one does not consent to sharing this information, the care team is bound by confidentiality rules and cannot disclose specific details without their permission.

Your loved one has several rights under the Mental Health Act, including the right to:

  • Challenge their detention by appealing to the Mental Health Tribunal.
  • Be informed about their detention, treatment, and rights.
  • Access legal representation.
  • Have their case reviewed regularly by their care team.

The hospital will provide them with information about their rights upon admission.

As a family member or carer, you can request a review of your loved one’s detention through the Mental Health Tribunal, depending on the section they are detained under. Your loved one also has the right to appeal. It’s best to seek legal advice to understand the process and your loved one’s rights.

If your loved one’s care team determines that they are well enough to leave the hospital, they may be discharged or placed on a Community Treatment Order (CTO), which allows them to live at home under specific conditions while continuing to receive treatment. You will be involved in discussions about their discharge plan, and aftercare support will be arranged.

We recognise that supporting someone who has been sectioned can be emotionally challenging. Apple Hill Hospital offers resources and support for families, including:

  • Information sessions on mental health and the Mental Health Act.
  • Counselling services for families and carers.
  • Carer support groups, where you can connect with others in similar situations.

Please visit our Families and Carers section for more details.

If you have concerns or disagree with any aspect of your loved one’s care plan, we encourage you to speak with the care team. Your input as a family member is valuable, and we aim to work collaboratively to provide the best possible care. You can also seek advice from advocacy services that support families and carers.

Your support is crucial during this difficult time. Keeping in regular contact with your loved one, attending meetings with the care team, and staying informed about their treatment can all make a positive difference. After their discharge, you may be involved in their ongoing care, including helping them manage appointments and medications, and providing emotional support.

FAQs on Mental Health and Well-being

At Apple Hill Hospital, we believe that understanding mental health is an important step towards achieving well-being. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about mental health and how we approach well-being.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Good mental health is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life.

Signs of poor mental health can vary, but some common indicators include:

  • Feeling sad or down for extended periods.
  • Excessive fears, worries, or anxiety.
  • Extreme mood changes or irritability.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Improving mental well-being involves adopting healthy habits such as:

  • Staying connected with friends and family.
  • Practising self-care through relaxation, exercise, and a balanced diet.
  • Setting realistic goals and managing stress through mindfulness or meditation.
  • Seeking help when you’re struggling, whether from a therapist, support group, or helpline.

At Apple Hill Hospital, we offer a range of therapeutic approaches that can help you develop and maintain these healthy habits.

Stress is a normal part of life, but prolonged or chronic stress can negatively impact your mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues if not managed effectively. Learning stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, time management, and relaxation methods, can help reduce the effects of stress.

At Apple Hill Hospital, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatments, including:

  • Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
  • Medication, where appropriate, to manage symptoms.
  • Group therapy and support groups.
  • Holistic therapies like mindfulness, art therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Our multidisciplinary team works with each patient to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to their needs.

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your emotions, relationships, or day-to-day activities, it might be time to seek professional help. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that interfere with your quality of life are signals that support from a mental health professional could be beneficial.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively managed, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling lives. While some conditions may not have a “cure,” they can be treated with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Recovery is possible, and at Apple Hill Hospital, we focus on helping individuals achieve long-term well-being.

Physical and mental health are closely connected. Regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can all positively impact mental health. Engaging in exercise, for example, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. At Apple Hill Hospital, we promote a holistic approach to health, recognising the importance of both physical and mental well-being.

Supporting a loved one with mental health issues involves:

  • Listening to them without judgment.
  • Encouraging them to seek professional help.
  • Being patient as they go through their journey of recovery.
  • Offering practical help, such as accompanying them to appointments or assisting with daily tasks.
  • Looking after your own mental health while supporting someone else.

We offer resources and support for families and carers at Apple Hill Hospital, helping you to be an effective support system.

At Apple Hill Hospital, we take a holistic, person-centred approach to mental health and well-being. Our care pathway involves an initial assessment, followed by a personalised treatment plan designed by our multidisciplinary team. We focus on both acute mental health crises and long-term recovery, aiming to improve the overall well-being of every patient.

Preventative measures for mental health include:

  • Staying connected with your social circle.
  • Managing stress through relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and adequate sleep.
  • Seeking support early if you notice changes in your mental or emotional state.

At Apple Hill Hospital, we offer workshops and resources to help individuals maintain their mental well-being and prevent future crises.

FAQs for Families and Carers

We understand that families and carers play a crucial role in supporting our patients. Below are answers to some common questions from families and carers.

We encourage family and carer involvement in the patient’s care where appropriate. You may be invited to attend meetings with the care team to discuss your loved one’s treatment plan and progress. Your insights are valuable, and we aim to create a collaborative approach to their recovery.

With the patient’s consent, we provide regular updates to families and carers about the treatment and progress of their loved one. Our team will ensure you are informed and involved in significant decisions regarding their care.

We offer a range of resources and support for families and carers, including educational materials, support groups, and counselling services. Our team is here to help you understand mental health conditions and how best to support your loved one during and after their stay at Apple Hill Hospital.

Visiting hours are structured to support the treatment schedule of our patients. If you need to visit outside of these hours due to personal circumstances, please contact the ward to make arrangements. We aim to be flexible while maintaining the therapeutic environment of the hospital.

One of the most important ways to support your loved one is by maintaining regular contact, either through visits or phone calls, depending on their preferences. Emotional support is key to their recovery. You can also encourage them to engage with their treatment and respect the hospital’s guidelines.

Yes, you may bring personal items such as clothing, toiletries, and books to help make your loved one feel more comfortable. However, certain items may be restricted for safety reasons. It’s best to check with the care team before bringing any items.

After discharge, your loved one may need ongoing support as they transition back to their daily life. We will provide you with guidance on how best to support them during this time, including information on follow-up appointments, community resources, and any medications they may need.

We respect the privacy and wishes of all our patients. If your loved one prefers not to involve family members in their care, we will honour that decision. However, we will continue to provide general support and information to help you understand mental health conditions and offer indirect support.

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance at Apple Hill Hospital. Information about a patient’s treatment will only be shared with family members or carers if the patient has provided consent. Without their consent, we are unable to disclose specific details, though we can offer general guidance on how to provide support.

If you have any concerns about your loved one’s treatment or wellbeing, we encourage you to speak to the care team as soon as possible. We are committed to addressing any concerns you may have and ensuring that your loved one receives the best possible care.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to provide compassionate, expert care when you need it most. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our contact form, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Contact Us

Together, we can help