You can access the Dudhope Young People’s Unit Handbook through the link provided, where you’ll find information about our services.
You can also take a virtual tour of the unit, giving young people and their families an idea of what to expect on their first visit. The film was created with input from young people, in partnership with Dundee’s Mental Health Arts Advocacy Project, Art Angel.
Parent/Carer Page
We welcome parents and carers to this space, which is designed to support you while your young person is receiving care with us.
We truly value your experiences and ideas. Any feedback, suggestions, or requests that could help make things easier for you in your caring role are most welcome.
You can share feedback by emailing us at tay.taynospgcamhs@nhs.scot
Alternatively, when you visit the unit, you are very welcome to leave suggestions in the box located at our main reception.
Thank you
Unit Handbook and Virtual Tour of the YPU
Visiting the Young People’s Unit (YPU)
Directions and Travel
You can find directions to the Young People’s Unit (YPU), along with travel options to suit your needs, through the Travel Scotland website or a mobile app.
The YPU address is:
17 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HH
On-site Family Accommodation
For parents and carers travelling from a distance, self-contained accommodation is available on the YPU site, with car parking provided.
This accommodation can be booked for overnight stays when visiting your child or attending appointments.
Facilities include:
• A twin-bedded room
• A sofa bed in the living area
• A travel cot (for infants)
• A bathroom with shower facilities
• A kitchenette with fridge and microwave
All bedding and towels are supplied.
To book, please call 01382 649032.
Please note: pets are not permitted in the accommodation.
Support with Accommodation and travel costs
If hospital accommodation is not available, you may be able to claim back reasonable overnight costs through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF).
The YPFF is a Scottish Government fund that helps parents, carers (or parent substitutes), and any accompanying siblings under the age of 18 with costs linked to visiting a young inpatient (under 18 years) in hospital. This includes travel, accommodation and subsistence
For further information, please visit:
www.mygov.scot/young-patients-family-fund
You can find directions to the Young People’s Unit (YPU), along with travel options to suit your needs, through the Travel Scotland website or a mobile app.
The YPU address is:
17 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HH
On-site Family Accommodation
For parents and carers travelling from a distance, self-contained accommodation is available on the YPU site, with car parking provided.
This accommodation can be booked for overnight stays when visiting your child or attending appointments.
Facilities include:
• A twin-bedded room
• A sofa bed in the living area
• A travel cot (for infants)
• A bathroom with shower facilities
• A kitchenette with fridge and microwave
All bedding and towels are supplied.
To book, please call 01382 649032.
Please note: pets are not permitted in the accommodation.
Support with Accommodation and travel costs
If hospital accommodation is not available, you may be able to claim back reasonable overnight costs through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF).
The YPFF is a Scottish Government fund that helps parents, carers (or parent substitutes), and any accompanying siblings under the age of 18 with costs linked to visiting a young inpatient (under 18 years) in hospital. This includes travel, accommodation and subsistence
For further information, please visit:
www.mygov.scot/young-patients-family-fund
Visiting the Young People’s Unit (YPU)
At the YPU, we follow the Scottish Government’s aims for person-centred visiting. We understand that every young person’s needs are different, and we want visiting to work in a way that best supports them and their family.
This means:
• There are no fixed visiting times. Instead, visiting will be shaped around the young person and may change as their stay progresses.
For example, when a young person is first admitted, families and carers may wish to spend longer periods of time here to help them settle in.
Later on, as the young person grows more confident, shorter or less frequent visits may feel more appropriate.
• Recommended visiting times: To protect treatment time (such as clinical appointments, groups, and schoolwork), we ask that visits usually take place between 4.00pm and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Weekends are more flexible to allow for family time together.
• Other visiting times: If you need to visit outside these hours, please speak with the staff team, who will do their best to support this.
• Occasional requests to step out: Sometimes staff may ask visitors to leave the room (or the unit) for a short period if a young person requires private treatment, care, or an appointment. This is always done to ensure the best possible care for the young people.
This means:
• There are no fixed visiting times. Instead, visiting will be shaped around the young person and may change as their stay progresses.
For example, when a young person is first admitted, families and carers may wish to spend longer periods of time here to help them settle in.
Later on, as the young person grows more confident, shorter or less frequent visits may feel more appropriate.
• Recommended visiting times: To protect treatment time (such as clinical appointments, groups, and schoolwork), we ask that visits usually take place between 4.00pm and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Weekends are more flexible to allow for family time together.
• Other visiting times: If you need to visit outside these hours, please speak with the staff team, who will do their best to support this.
• Occasional requests to step out: Sometimes staff may ask visitors to leave the room (or the unit) for a short period if a young person requires private treatment, care, or an appointment. This is always done to ensure the best possible care for the young people.
Talking with the team
At the Young People’s Unit (YPU), we recognise how important family involvement is in a young person’s recovery. We also understand that when a young person comes into hospital, you may be given a lot of information at what can be a difficult and emotional time.
If you would like more details or have any questions, please contact the YPU on 01382 649031. Our Nursing Case Manager is available Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) and will be happy to talk things through with you.
You can also get in touch with the nursing team directly and ask to speak to the named nurse for your child, who will be glad to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
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. You can attend via an MS Teams link. 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. You can attend via an MS Teams link. 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.
Your Rights and Support as a Parent or Carer
We recognise that being a parent or carer for a young person in hospital can be both deeply important and very challenging. You are an essential part of your child’s care and recovery, and your own wellbeing matters too.
Under the Carers Act 2016, one of the most important rights you have is to be listened to and to have your views respected and taken into account. You are not alone in this, we have a dedicated family/carer worker who is here to support you.
This means:
• You should be asked if you are able and willing to provide some or all of the care your child needs.
• You should be included in discussions about the services and support available for your child.
• If you are providing a lot of care, it is recognised that this can be demanding, and you may need support so that caring does not overwhelm your life or affect your own health.
You have the right to talk to someone from your local council or health services about what support would help you most. This conversation is called a carer’s assessment, and it is your opportunity to share your needs so that the right help can be put in place for you.
We want you to know that your role as a carer is valued, your wellbeing is important, and you are entitled to support.
Under the Carers Act 2016, one of the most important rights you have is to be listened to and to have your views respected and taken into account. You are not alone in this, we have a dedicated family/carer worker who is here to support you.
This means:
• You should be asked if you are able and willing to provide some or all of the care your child needs.
• You should be included in discussions about the services and support available for your child.
• If you are providing a lot of care, it is recognised that this can be demanding, and you may need support so that caring does not overwhelm your life or affect your own health.
You have the right to talk to someone from your local council or health services about what support would help you most. This conversation is called a carer’s assessment, and it is your opportunity to share your needs so that the right help can be put in place for you.
We want you to know that your role as a carer is valued, your wellbeing is important, and you are entitled to support.
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.