Inpatient care for adult mental health (Orchard Ward)

​About the ward

Orchard Ward is a hospital unit for adults with complex and severe mental health needs that can’t be safely met in the community.

We provide short‑term care, including assessment, medication review, risk management and care planning.

We offer therapeutic, physical and social activities, including:

• group therapy sessions
• creative activities such as art
  
• gentle exercise or relaxation sessions

We work with you to create a recovery plan based on your needs, preferences and goals. This helps you feel safe and ready to leave hospital and return to the community.

You may come into hospital by choice or we may refer you if we think hospital care would help you.

What to expect

Our facilities include 15 beds, common areas and an intensive care area.

When you arrive, we welcome you and show you:

• your bedroom with en-suite bathroom
• shared lounges
• the dining area
• quiet spaces
• art and therapy rooms
• the courtyard with exercise equipment

A nurse is assigned to you to coordinate your care and be your main point of contact during your stay. A nurse and healthcare assistant will support your daily care.

Medical support is available at all times.

Our mealtimes are:

• breakfast, 8am to 9am
• lunch, ​12pm to 1pm
• dinner, 5pm to 6pm
  

You can use your mobile phone on silent. Wifi is available, speak to a member of staff for details.

What to bring for your stay

When you come to stay at the ward, you should bring:

• your current medications
• casual clothes and nightwear
• comfortable shoes
• toiletries

You can bring small personal items like photos or keepsakes to make your space feel more comfortable and familiar. 

We recommend keeping no more than £25 with you on the ward. Larger amounts are transferred to our finance team to keep safe.

We can’t take responsibility for any lost or damaged items.

Services available during your stay

We offer a range of services to support your wellbeing:

Chaplaincy

Our hospital chaplain visits regularly and offers support to people of all faiths or none. You’re also welcome to see your own priest or chaplain.

Chiropody

Foot care is available if you need it, speak to a member of staff.

Laundry

You can use the ward laundry facilities or take clothes home if you prefer.

Visiting hours and parking

Family and friends are welcome to visit during our visiting hours:

• 2pm to 4pm
• 7pm to 8pm
  

Children under 18 can visit if you arrange this with staff in advance.

We may limit the number of visitors during busy times to keep the ward calm.

We have free parking on site and disabled spaces near the entrance.

Contacting the ward

You can contact us any day of the week.

The best times to call are:

• 10.30am to 12pm
• 1.30pm to 7.30pm

You should nominate 1 person to make enquiries to help us manage calls.

We only share information with consent or where required by law, but we’re always happy to listen to your views or concerns.

About our team

The Orchard Ward team includes:

• nurses and healthcare assistants
• consultant psychiatrists and junior doctors
• psychologists and assistant psychologists
• social workers
• occupational therapists and physiotherapists
• activity coordinators
• dietitians
• ward clerks
• ward manager and senior staff

You’ll work with our team who support your recovery and help plan your discharge.

Support from charities and organisations

You can get mental health support from many local charities and organisations for memory loss and dementia.

Find a list of local mental health charities and organisations​.​