What is the Decisions Unit?

The Decisions Unit is a place where anyone in Sheffield who is in a mental health crisis can be referred to and receive an urgent assessment. It's a purpose built unit based at the Longley Centre at the Northern General Hospital.

We have designed the unit to be a safe and comfortable environment where your mental health needs can be assessed.

The Decisions Unit is for a short-stay only and your stay will be between 12 to 48 hours. 

We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What do we offer?

We know that when you're in a mental health crisis the best place for you to be is in a calm environment where you feel safe and can talk to someone who understands how you're feeling. During your stay we'll offer you a range of support, including:

• An assessment of your physical and mental health. 
• A medical review, administration or recommencement of medication if required.
• One-to-one time with our team.
• Access to occupational therapy.
• Referral to other mental health services.
• Planning for future risks and care.
• Signposting to relevant charities or community support.
• Liaising with other services or carers who are involved in your physical and mental health care.
• A clear discharge plan.

The Decisions Unit is for short stay only, and no-one will be admitted for longer than 48 hours.

Who will be looking after me?

The unit is staffed by a small team on duty consisting of a Nurse and a Support Worker as a minimum. 

You will also have access to medical support and input if needed. 

The team will work together with you to understand how you're feeling, what has triggered your crisis and provide support to enable you to return home, or refer you to another more appropriate service.

What facilities are there on the unit?

When you first arrive at the unit you'll be shown to our waiting area. We also have two interview rooms available where we can carry out your assessment in privacy.

As the Decisions Unit is only designed for short stay we don't have any beds, but it is furnished with comfortable reclining chairs in separate male and female lounge areas.

Within the unit there are separate bathroom facilities, with a kitchen and dining room where you have access to refreshments and light meals if needed.

The service operates a no smoking policy - and smoking in the unit is not allowed.

If you do smoke we will discuss ways to support you and offer a personalised nicotine replacement plan.

What does the unit expect from me?

We expect that you will work together with our team of nurses and support workers during your stay so that we can ensure that your time with us is safe, supportive and benefits you.

Aggression or violence towards staff, other service users, visitors or relatives will not be tolerated.

No alcohol or drugs can be brought onto the unit. If any are found this may prevent your stay and future admission to the unit.

How do I access the Decisions Unit? 

In order to access or be admitted to the unit a mental health professional must first refer you to us - and you must agree with this referral.