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1. For Young People in our inpatient unit: 

What to expect on admission 

When you arrive on the unit, you will be welcomed by members of the team and shown around the unit. A meeting will take place for you and your parents / carers can meet with a doctor and a nurse so they can answer any questions you might have and admit you to the ward, this typically will take one hour. They will ask you about you and your goals for admission.

Physical Examination

As well as supporting young people with their mental health needs, staff will also monitor their physical wellbeing. This means you will be asked to have a physical health check by one of our doctors soon after you arrive at the Beacon Centre.

Your bedroom 

Whilst at the Beacon Centre, you will have you own room with an en-suite bathroom. The bathroom has a shower, toilet and sink. Each room also has a large chalkboard, and you are encouraged to personalise this to help make the room your own. 

What do I need to bring?

• comfortable clothing for no more than 7 days
• books (no wire bound or stapled)
• posters/photographs/cards
• MP3/ iPod (without a camera or recording facilities)
• Personal mobile devices (there is a mobile phone use policy which will be explained upon admission) 
• toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash toothbrush and toothpaste (no aerosols)
• young people also have access to a personal snack box in the Young Person’s kitchen where they may keep some treats if they wish (please keep these as healthy as possible)
• During your admission you will be given your own locker in the nursing station for any valuables you might have with you. We would not encourage you to bring anything of value onto the ward.

Due to the nature of the unit, there are some items that are not permitted at The Beacon Centre:

• Sharp objects, e.g. knives, metal objects, razor blades, pencil sharpeners
• Weapons
• Cigarettes, lighters, matches
• Over 18 material including magazines/DVDs
• Pirate DVDs/CDs
• Blu tac
• Chewing gum
• Caffeinated substances 
• Weapons (guns)
• Alcohol (or alcohol-based products)
• Aerosol cans
• Metal cans
• Oil burners, candles, incense sticks
• Energy drinks
• Drugs/ illegal substances
• Plastic bags
• Glass bottles or glass objects
• Vapes or e-cigarettes

(Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and all property will be assessed according to individual risk)

 

2.    For parents or carers

Admission 
The Beacon Centre team understand how difficult an admission to hospital can be not only for the young person coming to the ward but also for their loved ones. When parents or carers arrive at the Beacon Centre on the day of admission, we aim to ensure a member of staff is available to meet with you. 

On admission parents and carers will be met by a doctor or nurse who will be conducting the admission process of a young person and find out more about them and the issues they are experiencing. 

If admission is outside of core hours, the Beacon Centre medical team will arrange a meeting with parents and carers as soon as possible. 

What to bring 
It is important that when a young person is admitted to The Beacon Centre, they have personal items to help them settle in. Staff will ask to search any of the young people's belongings brought onto the unit. This is done to help staff keep the young people on the ward safe.

Please note vapes or e-cigarettes are not permitted to enter the Beacon Centre. 

Staying on the unit

Each young person has their own bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The bedroom area is located on the first floor of the unit. Bedrooms may be accessed during the day; however, we encourage young people to remain downstairs from 8.30am - 8pm to take part in the education and therapy programme. This is to encourage engagement and support a structured daily routine. Calls home can be negotiated as part of a young person's care plan, there is a ward phone available to use.