What does "Being assessed" mean? Help!

[Kumali]

Boyfriend has just messaged, he's had mental health issues in past and said he's now being assessed in hospital. What does this entail? Do they let people go or will he be kept... Over Christmas etc?? I'm panicking now

This will depend on a lot of factors.
Has he gone voluntarily to hospital or taken following general hospital admission or by the police for example?
Has he been in a mental health hospital before?
Is he a danger to himself or others?
What support does he currently have?
He will be assessed by mental health specialists, if he is detained he has rights to have the section explained and also to have a representative. His mental capacity in relation to consent to treatment t should also be considered.
Sorry if that's not very helpful, there's just a lot to consider and I don't want to give false assurance or scare you unduly.

He’s probably having a Mental health act assessment by an advanced mental health professional (either a social worker or nurse with a specialist qualification and several years experience) they’ll look at how well he is and how to keep him safe - depending on the outcome he may be detained, discharged to a crisis team or CMHT or discharged home..
He’s in good hands - I hope you’re feeling alright ❤️

Thanks Elmo
To try and answer, he's been in a few times. This time definitely not voluntary. He's not a danger just has unshakeable beliefs that aren't in keeping with what yous expect. Delusions I think they're called. He's been more vocal about it over last few days, as in thinking he's been watched etc.. I've no idea what I'm dealing with here.. We had Xmas all planned together...im thinking he could be datained couldn't he

Thanks Bam (sorry I don't know how to quote your names x) No I'm not alright.. He's been my rock and I was so much looking forward to the plans we made.. I know I keep going back to that but over last few Xmas I've had bereavements etc so for once I thought this was going to be amazing.
I'm gutted, obviously worried sick too..

The staff should be around today so you can ask them or contact your bf so you can get a better idea of what is happening. Hopefully youll have some answers x

I'm sorry. The festive season is difficult for many of us with MH issues. We don't mean to upset others. I was in hospital 2 years ago this time and just got out for Christmas by begging psychiatrist, and agreeing to see the crisis team.
By 'definitely not voluntary' do you mean he was taken to A&E by police or paramedics?
He might be being informally assessed by psychiatric liaison staff, or having an actual Mental Health Act assessment.
He could be detained if his delusions make him a risk to himself or others, yes, but demand is so high that there is a very high threshold for this. He might be offered home treatment by the crisis team.
Keep posting, I get that it sucks

How do I find out where he is???

He's not responding? You could phone the hospital, they may or may not tell you anything. You could also try the mental health trust crisis number. If there's no luck your only option really is to call the police.

His next of kin should be informed?
Have you been in touch?

If they know him they may get medication sorted quite quick with good results. Hope so, but if he needs to be in there's always next year

Thanks all. He's now on a section 2 at a unit nearby. It's hard but it's the best place for him.