Parent/Carer Page
Welcome to the page for parents and carers. Our webpage is newly developed and we hope to expand this with the help of our service users.
Any feedback, suggestions and requests that would make life easier for you as carer of a young person requiring our service, would be most welcome.
Please forward feedback to our email address tay.taynospgcamhs@nhs.scot, alternatively when you visit the unit you can leave suggestions in our suggestion box which is situated at the main reception.
Thank you.
Any feedback, suggestions and requests that would make life easier for you as carer of a young person requiring our service, would be most welcome.
Please forward feedback to our email address tay.taynospgcamhs@nhs.scot, alternatively when you visit the unit you can leave suggestions in our suggestion box which is situated at the main reception.
Thank you.
Unit Handbook and Virtual Tour of the YPU
We are currently reviewing our Unit hand book, however, you will find lots of useful information about the young people's unit on this webpage. The virtual tour of the Unit will also give you an overview of Dundee and let young people and their families know what their first contact with the YPU might be like. This film was made on behalf of the YPU by the Dundee based Mental Health Arts Advocacy Project Art Angel. Young people were involved in writing the voice-over and suggesting other aspects of filming.
Accommodation and Travel
Directions to the young people's unit (YPU) and options for travel to suit your needs can be obtained through the Travel Scotland Website and App. The YPU address is 17 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HH.
For parents and carers travelling a distance, there is access to self contained accomodation situated on the YPU site with car parking facilities.
The accommodation could be booked out for overnight stays when you are visiting your child or attending appointments. Within the accommodation, there is a twin-bedded room, a sofabed in the living area and a travel cot. The bathroom has showering facilities and the kitchenette has a fridge and microwave. All bedding and towels are supplied. This is available for booking by calling 01382 649032. Please note, no pets are permitted in the flat.
In the exceptional circumstance where hospital accommodation is not available, a contribution to reasonable overnight accommodation costs will be reimbursed using the YOUNG PATIENT FAMILY FUND.
YPFF is a Scottish Government fund designed to support parents/parent substitutes and any accompanying siblings under the age of 18 with the cost associated with visiting a young inpatient aged under 18 in hospital, please see visit www.mygov.scot/young-patients-family-fund for further information.
For parents and carers travelling a distance, there is access to self contained accomodation situated on the YPU site with car parking facilities.
The accommodation could be booked out for overnight stays when you are visiting your child or attending appointments. Within the accommodation, there is a twin-bedded room, a sofabed in the living area and a travel cot. The bathroom has showering facilities and the kitchenette has a fridge and microwave. All bedding and towels are supplied. This is available for booking by calling 01382 649032. Please note, no pets are permitted in the flat.
In the exceptional circumstance where hospital accommodation is not available, a contribution to reasonable overnight accommodation costs will be reimbursed using the YOUNG PATIENT FAMILY FUND.
YPFF is a Scottish Government fund designed to support parents/parent substitutes and any accompanying siblings under the age of 18 with the cost associated with visiting a young inpatient aged under 18 in hospital, please see visit www.mygov.scot/young-patients-family-fund for further information.
Preferred visiting times
As per the aims of the Scottish Government, the YPU operates a policy of person-centred visiting. This means that:
- There are no set visiting times (although recommended times are listed below). Visiting patterns will depend on, and adapt and change with the young person throughout their stay at the YPU. For example, at time of admission, family members/carers may be present and require to remain for longer periods to help the young person to settle in; however, at later stages, families/carers may not require to be so present.
- Recommended visiting times: clinical appointments, meetings, groups and school are an essential part of treatment therefore the preferred visiting times are 4.00pm until 7.30pm on Monday to Fridays with more flexibility at the weekend.
- Visiting at all other times can be arranged with staff.
- There will be times when it is appropriate for YPU staff to ask visitors to leave (or simply to leave the room for a period) if a young person has treatment requirements, care needs or appointments.
Talking with the team
At the Young People’s Unit (YPU) we recognise the importance of family involvement in the young person’s journey to recovery from a mental health problem. We are aware when a young person comes in to hospital you are given lots of information at what can be a challenging time.
If you would like more information you can contact the YPU on 01382 649031. The Nursing Case Manager will be happy to answer any questions you may have and is available Monday to Friday (9am-5pm). You can also contact the nursing team directly and ask to speak to the named nurse for your child.
If you would like more information you can contact the YPU on 01382 649031. The Nursing Case Manager will be happy to answer any questions you may have and is available Monday to Friday (9am-5pm). You can also contact the nursing team directly and ask to speak to the named nurse for your child.
Review meetings for your child
As a parent/carer your thoughts and opinions matter to us and we encourage your involvement in your child’s care.
With the agreement of your child you are welcome to attend the fortnightly team meeting which will last for 30 minutes. There will be time in the meeting where you can share your thoughts with the team working with your child. Our secretary will be in touch to let you when this will be.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person there are other options to attend. You can attend via phone or video conference (VC) if this is available and pre-arranged with your local CAMHS team. You are also welcome to share your views via email to the email address listed above.
Please be aware that all health professionals have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality if requested to do so by someone in our care. There may be times where some information is not shared with you. In this situation you will still be provided with general information.
With the agreement of your child you are welcome to attend the fortnightly team meeting which will last for 30 minutes. There will be time in the meeting where you can share your thoughts with the team working with your child. Our secretary will be in touch to let you when this will be.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person there are other options to attend. You can attend via phone or video conference (VC) if this is available and pre-arranged with your local CAMHS team. You are also welcome to share your views via email to the email address listed above.
Please be aware that all health professionals have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality if requested to do so by someone in our care. There may be times where some information is not shared with you. In this situation you will still be provided with general information.
Advocacy for you and your child
If you would like support to help share your views throughout your child’s care you can access an advocate. Information on advocacy services in your area can also be accessed at Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.
All young people have access to an independent advocacy worker who visits the YPU regularly.
All young people have access to an independent advocacy worker who visits the YPU regularly.
What are your rights as a carer?
The most important right that you have as a carer in response to the Carers Act 2016 is to be listened to and to have your views taken into account. We have a family/carer worker who has been identified for support.
This means:
This means:
- you should be asked if you are able and willing to provide some or all of the care that is needed.
- you should be consulted about the services that could be provided for the person you care for.
- if you are providing a lot of care, then you may well need help and support, so that 'caring' doesn't take over your life and cause you ill health.
Information on local carers support services
We recognise that having a child in hospital can be a challenging time for the family. It is important that you are aware of your rights to a carers needs assessment. In addition to the young person in hospital please let us know if you have other caring responsibilities. Please speak to the case manager.
