Chalkhill

We provide an inpatient and day service for young people (boys and girls) aged 12-18 with emotional difficulties and psychiatric problems.

Inpatients sleep here overnight and most go home every weekend. Day patients attend each weekday from 9am-4pm.

These are just a few ideas - you don’t have to bring everything!

• Duvet and pillows, (+duvet cover and pillow cases) towel, dressing gown, slippers and pyjamas. (You may bring your own duvet but it must have a label stating it is fire retardant.) Please remember not to bring too much as ALL belongings will need to go home with you when you go on leave.
• Enough clothes and underwear.
• A warm coat for trips out.
• Washing stuff, bubble bath, toothpaste, hairbrush, sanitary products, deodorant, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, hair straighteners, hairdryer (to be kept in allocated storage in games room).
• Photos of family and friends, posters 
• Something to do .e.g. Nintendo, CDs, IPod, crosswords, reading book, magazines, sewing, DVDs and computer games (up to 12+ only)
• Cuddly toy (you’re never too old!)
• A bag for your items during the day.

 Electrical items will be checked on admission. Please note we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to items.

When you  arrive, a member of the care team will go through some admission paper work with you, checking names, addresses and phone numbers etc.

The member of the care team will also go through a ‘risk assessment’, asking questions and gathering information. This will be used to help create a care plan to meet your individual needs.

All our food comes in fresh each day from the main kitchen in Amberstone with most of the ingredients being locally sourced. All meals are of high quality and are made from scratch, not from packet mixes. Our catering suppliers take great pride and care in getting everything right for you whatever your dietary needs.

Sometimes we have themed food nights e.g. Indian, Italian, Chinese.

Unfortunately, due to health and safety standards, we are unable to allow you to bring in food prepared at home or ready made meals.

While we're aware that maintaining contact with friends and relatives is an essential element of a young person's care, treatment and recovery, large numbers of people on the unit at any one time can lead to difficulties in maintaining a calm environment.

We ask that you note the following points:

• please contact the unit prior to visiting to advise us of your time of arrival so that it can be booked into the unit diary
• we don't want wish to place any restrictions on visits by close family members, but those by friends may be restricted at times when the unit is busy
• visiting times are weekdays after 3.30pm and up until 8.30pm
• visitors may be asked to leave while the residents have supper between 6pm and 6.30pm. Weekend visiting can be more flexible
• at all times access to the unit is at the discretion of the shift leader and, if the unit is busy, visitors may be asked to come back at another time
• all visitors are to seek permission from staff prior to going upstairs on each and every occasion.

• To be treated with dignity and respect
• We encourage your involvement in your care planning
• For the information you give us to be treated in confidence
• For your care to meet your individual needs
• For us to be focused on your recovery
• For us to be building on your strengths.

Your treatment will be according to your care plan, which you will be involved in writing with your parents/carers and case manager. You and your parents /carers will be provided with a copy. 

Unless you are extremely unwell, we expect everyone under 16 to go to school. When you are out of school, you will have the opportunity to talk with the nursing staff about your feelings and difficulties and be expected to engage in therapeutic groups.

You may also see other members of the multidisciplinary team, for therapy such as an occupational therapist, psychologist, or psychotherapist. Sometimes your family will be invited to do some family work as part of the treatment.  

The use of medication may be of help but will only be given after discussion with you and your family. 

Every effort is made to allow you to go home at the weekends, (Friday after school – Monday morning) and school holidays. Going home at weekends is a valuable part of your treatment, as it gives you a chance to put what you’ve learnt into practice and we will be able to see how well you are managing.

We are always thrilled to receive compliments about our services and these mean a lot to our staff. However, if you disagree with something or wish to make a complaint please discuss this with a member of ward staff first. If you are not satisfied with an explanation or comments, please ask to meet with your ward manager to discuss the matter further. We also have a complaints team which is available Monday to Friday from 9.00am - 5.00pm.

Telephone: 01903 843026

Email: Complaints@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk