Common questions
Why are you being admitted to the ward?
Patients come to Emerald Lodge when they have identified rehabilitation needs and are struggling to live independently due to a lack or loss of skills, this can be anything from cooking support to managing their finances.
How can we help you?
Patients will have a named nursing team of a named nurse, associate nurse and two special interest workers. Patients will work closely with the occupational therapists, CBT therapists, nursing staff, special interest workers, and their community workers, to aid a smooth transition back into the community. Patients will take the lead on their plan of care and develop short, medium and long term goals – working together with staff and their families. We will support patients with anything from medication management, to cooking and cleaning, social inclusion and vocational goals, along with much more.
Can family, friends, or carers help with this process?
Your family or carers are heavily involved within your care and treatment, should you have given consent for them to be. We have a big focus on triangle of care which is the therapeutic alliance between carers, service users and health professionals. It aims to promote safety and recovery and to aid mental wellbeing by including and supporting carers.
What are you not allowed to bring to the ward?
You can’t bring sharp objects, glass, alcohol, drugs, or energy drinks. More is covered in the blanket restriction policy.
When are mealtimes?
All patients on Emerald are fully self-catering. We have two kitchens that you can use and storage cupboards for all patients to use. There will be an allocated cupboard and fridge shelf for each patient to use and labels are provided to put names on food items.
Can you bring your own food to the ward, and where will it be kept?
Yes, you may bring your own food. Dry foods can be kept in your room, but perishables will be stored in the secure kitchen.
Can you cook your own meals?
All meals will be cooked by patients and no meals will be provided. If you struggle with cooking, you will be offered a cooking assessment but, in the meantime, will be supported by the staff.
What services can you access through your admission?
A variety of triangle of care (TOC) events are offered for families and carers throughout the year, such as a summer BBQ, Halloween and Easter event and a Christmas or New year party. You will also have input from patient focus groups (PFG) and the individual placement service (IPS) which can help you find and keep employment or volunteering work. We work with Creative Support who can offer benefits advice along with much more and alongside housing and supported housing providers to find patients the most appropriate accommodation.
What facilities are available on the ward?
You will have access to two self-catering kitchens, laundry room, ladies lounge, communal lounge, fully equipped gym, and activity room. For outdoor use there is a vegetable patch for gardening and 6 bicycles for patient use.
What is in the bedrooms and is there a lock?
Each bedroom has a bed, storage space, and an ensuite bathroom. You will be given a key to enter your room that only you and staff are able to access.
Can I smoke?
No, the grounds are a non-smoking site. Due to us being a non-smoking site we don’t allow any smoking paraphernalia on the main ward. We do have lockers in the lobby which you will be provided a key for to store your smoking material. You can also access the Smoking Cessation team (QUIT) if you wish to stop smoking, the team visits the wards regularly.
Page last reviewed: September 06, 2024
Next review due: September 06, 2025
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