Hospital In-patient Advocacy Service
Clatterbridge Hospital,
Mental Health unit
Tel: 0151 334 4000
St Catherine’s Hospital,
Mental Health Unit
Immediately after setting up in 1992, Advocacy in Wirral had an ‘Advice Point’ in Clatterbridge Hospital. The service was so successful that we decided to put in a bid to the National Lottery to have an Advocate based at the hospital full time. We were successful in that bid, and 2 years ago we were very pleased when a further application to the National Lottery was successful, which enabled us to extend our service to cover elderly in-patients, both at Clatterbridge and St Catherine’s hospitals.
The project is covered full time by Laura and Julie, assisted by Tony on a part-time basis.
The 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 such things as welfare benefits, housing issues and debts. However, they also attend ward rounds, Mental Health Tribunals, Managers hearings etc, and represent their clients to express their views and ensure their voices are heard, and their needs acted upon.
A further role the Advocates undertake is to represent their service users at many local and regional meetings to promote their needs and help bring about changes to services which directly impact upon their client group.
It is a proven fact 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, thereby allowing their clients to focus on their recovery, and hopefully impact on their length of stay in hospital.
The 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 and arrange a meeting for a time which best suits you.
