Advocacy in Wirral had an ‘Advice Point’ at Clatterbridge Hospital as early as 1992, when the organization was founded.  The initial service was so successful that a bid was made to the National Lottery to have an Advocate based at the hospital full time.   The success of this bid, and a further one in 2007 enabled us to extend our service to cover elderly in-patients, both at Clatterbridge and St Catherine’s hospitals.

In 2009, NHS Wirral agreed to contract with Advocacy in WIrral for the provision of the following services under a new Hospital Advocacy Project:

• Adult in-patient advocacy at Springview, Clatterbridge
• Older people’s advocacy at Springview and in the community
• Independent Mental Health Act advocacy
• Psychiatric Liaison service advocacy at Arrowe Park Hospital
• General advocacy at Arrowe Park Hospital

The Hospital Advocacy Project is managed by Laura Smith.  The team of 6 advocates work in an acute setting and will do whatever they can to assist each person as an individual, dealing with them in a dignified and non-judgemental manner.  They give advice and practical assistance with things such as welfare benefits, housing issues and debts.  However, they also attend ward rounds, Mental Health Tribunals and Managers hearings etc, enabling clients to express their views and ensuring their voices are heard and their needs acted upon.

Advocates also represent service users at many local and regional meetings, helping to promote their needs and bring about changes to services which directly impact upon their client group.

We know that practical problems can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health, and the Advocates aim to alleviate some of the stressors by minimising these problems.  This means that clients can focus on their own recovery, and hopefully impacts on their length of stay in hospital.

Our Hospital Advocates take referrals directly from patients, carers and relatives, and are available on week days within office hours.   You can phone to make an appointment, but they are equally happy to have a quick chat when they are on the wards, or can arrange a meeting for a time which best suits you.

For further information, please contact

The Hospital Advocacy Service at Springview, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral on 0151 334 4000

or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it