Within the hospital, there will be patients who are informal and some who are detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA).
- Informal patients make up the majority of patients at nightingale hospital. An informal patient is a patient who is admitted voluntarily and is free to come and go from the hospital.
- Sectioned patients are admitted to the hospital under the MHA and are unable to leave the hospital, without the approval of your consultant.
If you are an informal patient, you are legally allowed to leave the hospital whenever you please. However, as you have chosen to be in treatment with us, we expect you to discuss any intentions to leave the hospital with the clinical team, so they can be aware of your coming and goings. Your request will also be promptly verified between reception and the ward before you are allowed out of the hospital.
Once you return to the hospital and onto the ward, you may be asked to have your bag checked for prohibited items. This is done purely to protect the safety of yourself, and the rest of the hospital.
