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We understand that coming to hospital can be stressful and worrying.
The CED can feel overwhelming, especially in busy or unfamiliar situations. That’s why we have a dedicated adolescent waiting area and aim to make you as comfortable as possible. We’ll do our best to meet your individual needs.
We recommend that a parent or carer stays with you at all times, for both support and safety.
What happens next?
You will first be triaged by a nurse, who will ask about what’s been happening and how you’re feeling. These questions help us understand your needs and ensure your safety.
After triage, you’ll wait to see one of our clinicians, either a CED doctor or a nurse practitioner. Because you’re a young adult, the clinician might ask to speak with you alone. This helps support your independence and ensures your voice is heard.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
You may also be referred to our Paediatric Mental Health Liaison Team for further assessment. In some cases, we might suggest other services, such as our Hospital Youth Worker or the community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
Please be aware that you may need to stay in hospital overnight before you can be seen by the Mental Health Team, especially if you arrive in the evening or at night. If you have any physical health needs, these will be treated by our team before any mental health assessment takes place.
While we know more than one family member or carer may want to stay with you, due to limited space and to help prevent the spread of infection, we ask that only one person remains with you in the department.
We also have a policy to share information with our Early Help team to explore any extra support available in the community. If you have any questions about this, please speak to your nurse.
Important to know
If you are worried or feel unwell while you’re waiting, please speak to one of the nursing staff.
We encourage everyone to stay until they’ve been assessed by a clinician. However, if you do decide to leave, it is very important that you tell a nurse first.
If you leave without letting us know, and we are concerned for your safety, we may need to contact the police.
Where can I get more help?
Useful Apps (available from your phone’s app store):
- MindShift. Uses CBT tools to help with anxiety.
- SAM. Helps you understand and manage anxiety.
- Virtual Hope Box. Tools for emotional wellbeing.
- Stay Alive. A suicide prevention app with resources and support.
Support by Phone and Online:
Young Minds Crisis Messenger (24/7)
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
Samaritans (24/7)
Free, 24/7
116 123
Sussex Mental Healthline (24/7)
111
Ext. option 2
Childline
Papyrus HOPELINEUK
9am–midnight
0800 068 4141
Sussex CAMHS
YMCA e-Wellbeing
The Mix Helpline
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Visit our website Research and innovation information for patients and public or scan the QR code.
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.