In crisis?

Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD)

The Mental Health Urgent Care Department provides care, assessment and support to people with urgent mental health needs and in crisis, providing a calm and therapeutic space with access to mental health specialists.

Need urgent help?

If you need urgent help or out of hours help please call Mental Health Direct 0800 995 1000.

Summary

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it offers a safe, calm and comfortable environment to anyone aged 18 or above in mid and south Essex who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

We are not able to see anyone under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18 or are the family member of someone under the age of 18 who is in crisis, please call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (SET CAMHS). They are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Telephone:0800 953 0222
Email:[email protected]

Information:

The Mental Health Urgent Care Department is based at Basildon Hospital, SS16 5NL. It takes a few minutes to walk from the main multi-story car park.

Directions from the carpark:

  1. Exit the multi-story carpark and cross the road towards the A&E.
  2. Once you have crossed the road, turn right and walk past the A&E. Keep going until you reach the mini roundabout.
  3. Turn left and walk all the way down to the bottom.
  4. The Mental Health Urgent Care Department will be on your right.
An aerial view of the location of the Urgent Care Department and the car park

Service information

How do I access the Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD)?

  • If you or another adult needs urgent support during a mental health crisis dial 111 and select the option for mental health.
  • During work hours you can also call your GP for an urgent appointment, who may suggest that you attend the department or arrange alternative support.
  • You might be referred to the department by East of England Ambulance Service, the police, or through local A&E services.
  • If you are currently using services provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust please contact the team that coordinates your care. If you need urgent mental health support outside of working hours, please dial 111 and selection the option for mental health.

If you have been diverted to us from an Emergency Department:

This is to enable us to provide you with person-centred care in a bespoke therapeutic environment away from the general hospital which can be stressful and busy.

What will happen when I arrive?

  • You will be seen by triage and then if needed, assessed by one of our mental health nurses, to determine the right support to meet your needs.
  • Specialists, including a consultant psychiatrist and clinical psychologist, will help to create a comprehensive risk assessment and care plan for your ongoing treatment.
  • We will use de-escalation techniques that may help to resolve the crisis.
  • We may give you immediate and short term medications if required.
  • We will identify, review and sign post or refer as appropriate for any physical
    health needs you may have.
  • Provide access to a social worker if relevant to your mental health crisis.
  • Refer you to other specialist services, crisis alternatives or relevant charities or voluntary services that can help to support you in the community.
  • If appropriate we will co-produce a care plan to meet your needs.
  • After this, you will be supported into the next stage of treatment, dependent on your care plan.

What other support will I have whilst I am there?

Arriving at the Mental Health Urgent Care Department may be an upsetting experience but when experiencing a mental health crisis, the best place to be is in a calm environment where you feel safe and comfortable.

Our staff are here to support you through this difficult time. While you are with us, it is important that you let a member of staff know if there is anything you need that will help you to relax.

If you would like us to contact a friend, relative or carer to come and support you, we will try to do so on your behalf.

A faith worker is available at request for all religions.

Refreshments and light meals are available at the department.