New recovery lounge provides a tranquil environment for mental health care in Doncaster

The Recovery Lounge offers a safe and quiet alternative for some patients with urgent mental health problems who may otherwise go to a busy hospital A&E department.

Converted from a modern bungalow in a leafy area of Balby’s Tickhill Road Hospital site, the stand-alone Recovery Lounge enables patients to be assessed for longer periods of time – up to 12 hours if necessary.

Alison Lancaster, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disability Services at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) said: “When someone is in a mental health crisis they are at their most vulnerable. It’s essential they receive the care and support they need in a place where they feel safe and are supported by people who understand their needs. The Recovery Lounge does just that.

“Two people can be assessed at any one time, utilising the skills of a range of health and social care professionals, including nurses, social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists. We work closely with colleagues from the Rethink Mental Illness charity to deliver the crisis service.

The Recovery Lounge opened at the beginning of February 2021 and currently operates every Friday from 5pm to Monday at 10am, with the intention of moving to a full 24/7 provision from 1 April this year.

The two assessment rooms each have a reclining chair for rest and relaxation, with other facilities including a staff office, lounge, dining room, kitchen and shower.

Elouise Turpin, manager of the RDaSH Crisis Team, said: ”Having the opportunity to assess people over a longer period of time offers a number of benefits, including better engagement with the patient, which in turn means we can really get to know what type of care and support they need.”

If you or someone you know has urgent concerns about their mental health and you or they are registered with one of RDaSH’s services in Doncaster, please use the following contact methods to get the help you need:

During office hours: 01302 566999

Out of office hours: Freephone 0800 804 8999

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