The Orchid Mental Health Emergency Service opened on Monday at Springfield Hospital and cares for patients with mental health problems who would otherwise have to go to A&E. Patients of all ages are accepted, including children.
The ward will help people presenting in crisis who have a wide range of mental health problems, ranging from serious mental illness to psychological difficulties in the context of physical illness. They will also be able to treat any minor injuries such as cuts.
Patients cannot just turn up at the facility or self-refer. Patients and their friends and family, or frontline services such as the police, must first call the Trust’s 24-hour screening line on 0800 028 8000. Patients presenting at A&E with primary mental health issues and no serious medical conditions will also be directed to call that number.