Visiting Friend in Maudsley - Advice pls?

[ARoomSomewhere]

I have a very long term friend who i know has had some MH issues over the years. Depression but also bi-polar / schizophrenia (apologies if different but she has been vague about it).

Anyways, she is currently in the Maudsley and texted me to say so after i'd asked about meeting for Lunch. She said at her husband's 'forceful' request (I dont know him, they had a long separation and have a difficult marriage).

I'd like to visit her. If she has been sectioned (she said: 'detained') will i be allowed (obvs i am not a relative).
Is it a good idea? she is texting me a little and it makes sense (though spelling uncharacteristically awful so she might have left specs at home or be doped up?) but she was talking about 'end times' yesterday (I think some religious mania is part of it?)

bump

Call the hospital and ask. Althouh try to get the right department, not the recpetion - depending on who’s there they can be dire.

Either way I think it would be good for her to have a visitor, especially since she’s asking for you.

I know what ward she is in (though it took 5 phone calls to reception to get the info).

Just wondered at the wisdom of visiting her when she is clearly ill? Dont want to put extra pressure on her / make her feel embarrassed (not that she should but I think she will?)

And will i be allowed as a non relative and if she's been sectioned by her H? will they ask her if she wants to see me or will i just be allowed in? (sounds awful that, i am sure she will say yes but if she gets embarrassed and says no for some reason i am travelling 300 miles!)

I can only speak from my experience but I was allowed visitors but I was not allowed off the ward with them. The place I was in had 2 rooms you could get some privacy with a visitor . There was also a day room but it may have other patients and staff in it. When you're stick in these places visitors are a God send .

She won't have been sectioned by her husband - it can only be done by a Dr/MHO and the patient meeting certain criteria so don't worry about that.
I'm sure your friend would love to see you. If it's not appropriate then I would have thought the staff would turn you away?

Jaytee oh thanks that is helpful. I know her H would not like her having visitors other then him (he is half the prob imo).
do you know when i get there can they check if she has anyone already with her? or do i just walk on in? (presumably not if she is not allowed off the ward?) will i be able to take her a carry out coffee etc

Yes, you should be able to visit even if she is on a section. There may be some restrictions as to what you are able to wear or bring as a gift (if you were planning on bringing anything, of course). You may be frisked briefly or have a metal detecting device run along your body/ handbag. This isn’t because you look suspect, it’s just a safety measure that may be in place depending on the security level of the ward. Other people on the ward may present with frightening behaviours, and the general surroundings might feel quite oppressive and uncomfortable. But hopefully your friend is in there because it’s the best place for her. If you feel that it isn’t, you could always ask if there is a nurse who may be able to point you and your friend towards an advocacy service - but they may have done this already if they have picked up on her relationship issues. Hope this helps ☺️ Good luck, and please do visit your friend. I’m sure it may seem very daunting and distressing, but it could also be hugely therapeutic for her to see that she has someone on her side.

Oh, you’ll probably be met at reception and will have to sign yourself in. I’d ring ahead to her ward to check if there are specific visiting hours, or if there are mealtimes you can avoid interrupting. Things like coffee may be available to make on the ward depending on the security level.

Marmaladeorange thank you!
Not worried about being 'on the ward' as it were. I remember visiting a diff friend on a psych ward many years ago and that was quite frightening. not so much the patients but the sense of oppression. hopefully things have improved! she is in the aubrey lewis ward?
was thinking of taking her grapes, chocs, a book, soap, that sort of thing?

Those gifts sound fine. Hope your visit went well. Sorry just saw this

Yes do visit. My friend was in for 3 months and he said being around other ill people all the time made him worse and it was good to see an outsider.

Just to say I went and am glad i did! thank you all so much.x

lovely