Can you visit someone in a mental health hospital

[Nothinggoingto]

My friend has been admitted it’s her first time in one. I would like to visit but will this be allowed? I would also like to make her up a box of some stuff to help her relax any suggestions?

Best to check with the service that runs the hospital as there may be current restrictions.

Normally yes within visiting hours. Now it depends on local restrictions.

The area is tier two I’m assume she could meet me for a walk?

It'll depend on lots of factors. Does the hospital have an outdoor space where they can facilitate Covid-safe visits? How unwell is she? Will she actually be well enough to receive visitors?

Is she detained or voluntary?

In terms of gifts, ask the ward staff before you go - anything with any kind of self-harm potential won't be suitable, and a LOT of benign everyday objects have self-harm potential.

Visitors would be entirely dependent on which hospital and how your friend is. It's a kind thought to take something but I wouldn't as it would make it more complicated especially at the moment

I would contact the ward/unit and find out what they suggest. It may depend on why she is there and the facilities they have.

At the moment, on the one I work on, no visitors.

You need to phone the ward and talk to staff. She might not be allowed off the ward, or out with you until they have had a chat with you. There will be restrictions on visiting times, and on the items you can take onto the ward - no glass or ceramics for example.

If you get the chance to phone her, ask her if there's anything she wants. There might be something that she needs or wants for comfort.
The ward kitchen can be a bit grim and its nice to have your own drinking cup, but it must be plastic or bamboo.