Inpatient care

Yes, you can if you and your doctor agree that hospital care is best. You can go to hospital as an ‘informal patient’ (sometimes called ‘voluntary patient’) . You’ll take part in your treatment plan, but you can refuse treatment and leave the hospital when you want.

But mental health professionals can decide that you’re too unwell to leave hospital. They can consider sectioning you to keep you safe.

Tip: No one can threaten to section you to force you to stay in hospital if you are an informal patient. This is according to the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.

You can’t usually challenge health professionals' decision while you are being sectioned. They’ll only section you if it’s absolutely necessary. Once you’re in hospital, here’s how you can get discharged:

• ask your hospital managers to consider discharging you
• ask your responsible clinician to discharge you
• ask your nearest relative to discharge you
• apply to the Mental Health Tribunal to be discharged

Each hospital has rules to keep everyone safe and well. If you struggle to follow them, staff will talk to you to understand why and help find a solution.

But if your behaviour puts your safety or the safety of others at risk, they might move you to another unit.

Every unit has a confidentiality policy. It explains what information about you is private, and when it might be shared. Staff may log things that you say to help them support you. What they share will depend on your age, needs, and risk level.

Before sharing your information, you have the right to know what will be shared and with whom. Your views should be taken into account.

Units must also follow data protection laws. Your information should be kept secure if it’s stored online.

Each unit has rules on what you’re allowed to bring. You can’t bring anything that you could harm yourself with. Or that someone else on your ward could harm themselves with.

Check your hospital ward’s rules on phones and devices – some don’t allow them. Let staff know about any electronics you’re bringing as they might need a safety check.

Alcohol is not allowed in hospital. Some higher security wards have restrictions on:

• alcoholic mouthwash
• aerosols
• glass containers
• perfume
• aftershave
• dental floss
• nail varnish remover

Think carefully before bringing any valuables or anything you’d hate to get broken or lost.

Here are some things you could take, or ask someone to bring you:

• comfy clothes
• pyjamas
• toiletries
• socks and underwear
• notebook or journal (not wirebound)
• colouring book
• playing cards
• wireless headphones
• sports clothes in case there are any opportunities for you to get active
• sleep mask
• ear plugs
• puzzle book
• your favourite cuddly toy
• flip-flops
• slippers
• photos
• blanket and pillow
• textbooks for school

Tip: If you go into hospital in an emergency and don’t take all the things you need, don’t worry. You can ask someone to bring things for you.

You can have visitors, usually during set visiting times. They might be able to take you out during these times if the hospital thinks it’s okay.

Remember, you won’t be alone - other young people struggling with their mental health will be in the unit too. While it can be tough, you are likely to make new friends and join group activities.

Most units have a timetable of activities and staff will go over this with you. They’ll also talk through your personal treatment plan. It might include individual and group therapy.

How much internet and TV access you have will depend on your unit. Some limit it to encourage rest and help you focus on recovery. If you’re in a unit where mobiles aren’t allowed, there are usually alternative phones you can use. Your unit will have rules about phone use and will tell you when and what’s allowed.

Your doctor can approve time away from your unit. This could be from a few hours to a few days, depending on your progress and if some time away would do you good. If you’re under a section, your doctor must give permission in writing. This is often called ‘section 17 leave’. There may be conditions to your leave, like staff or family being with you, or only visiting specific places.

Your care will involve lots of people. Doctors, mental health professionals, specialists, and nurses looking after your day-to-day needs. Take a look at our glossary to learn who’s who.

Your treatment is tailored to you and your needs. It could include things like:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• group or family therapy
• medication
• occupational therapy
• creative activities like art or drama

Staff will try to involve you in decisions about your care. They’ll keep you updated on your treatment plan at every stage.

Your opinion matters. Your care team should listen to you when discussing and deciding on your treatment. Even if they don’t always agree, they should consider your views. They’ll review your care plan regularly to see if it needs changes.

Tip: Only you know how you feel, so don’t hesitate to speak up about what does and doesn’t work for you. It’s okay to keep asking questions. This will keep you informed, clear and calm about your treatment and decisions made.

Speaking up isn’t always easy, but these tips can help:

• Write down what people say about your treatment.
• Plan what you’re going to say by jotting down notes or bullet points.
• If possible, bring someone with you for moral support.
• Talk to someone you trust and ask them to speak up for you.
• You can request support from an independent advocate. They can explain your rights and help you express your views.

For more help, check out our guide to starting difficult conversations.

If you’re already receiving treatment, a professional you know might stay involved in your treatment. But your hospital team will likely be new – especially if you’re in a hospital away from home. This can feel daunting, but they’re there to help and will have information from your previous team. When it’s time to leave hospital, your outpatient team will likely help plan your support after discharge.