"The Bethlem Adolescent Unit (BAU)"

When you read this, you might either be, the teenager about to enter this unit or, the child’s parents. I am writing this review with the intent of helping both the teenager and family understand what admission to this unit really means. My daughter recently spent about three months in this adolescent unit. She was suffering from cyber-bullying, depression, suicide attempts, anxiety; but, thankfully, she is now home and back to school.  All the staff; receptionists, doctors, nurses, care workers and all other staff treated both my daughter and us (the parents) with huge respect and listened to our concerns. Most importantly, we all agreed the really important decisions. They deserve a big thank-you! You are probably feeling confused/ anxious about the place itself. Please, just forget all your thoughts about old fashioned “mental hospitals” . The Bethlem Royal Hospital is comprised of many separate buildings within huge grounds. The adolescent unit is one such separate (and modern) building within these grounds. There two areas within the adolescent unit, my daughter was admitted to “Tyson East”. Now, for a few facts, that you might find helpful: - Tyson East has a maximum of 12 children, six boys’ rooms and six girls’ rooms - everyone has their own room (really quite spacious) - the boys’ and girls’ rooms are in separate spaces - separate (and large) TV lounge, games, dining areas - the food is cooked within the unit, healthy, varied, and tasty (quite different from normal hospital food!!) - separate buildings for school/ gym/ swimming pool - core visiting hours are 4pm-8pm (Monday- Friday), very flexible at weekends While I am sure you are still worried and concerned, hopefully , this might help a little. Bottom line – I couldn’t have hoped for more care for my daughter. Father