Section 3 and Christmas

[HedKandi74]

Hi,

Just wanted a bit of advice Daughter has just gone into long term unit for BPD and although she has gone informal, it is looking likely that she will end up with a Section 3. She is not particulary in crisis at the moment, (compared to previous episodes) but she keeps trying to discharge and to cut a long story short after many revolving door admissions it is the opinion of the Dr that she should not be discharged, hence why she could be looking at section. I just wondered how that might look for Christmas Day at home, I know it will be based on her risk. But, is it at all possible to have Christmas Day with her at home or is it an absolute no-no when on Section. Just wondered if it's a text book situation or just down to risk and ultimately the Dr's decision. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks xx

[whirlpools]

I think if she's stable enough she might be able to get section 17 leave to go home on Christmas day it's up to the doctor but it's possible that she could be allowed a bit of leave.

[HedKandi74]

Thanks Wirlpools xx At least there is hope

[Fire Fly]

I was on a section 3 and they assessed my risk and said I could have x amount of hours out but have to be back for medication as I wasn't allowed overnight leave. It depends on your daughter and how she presents herself.

[Aubergine]

I was on section over Christmas. I wasn't allowed any leave, but most of the patients were allowed overnight leave and the ward was very quiet, so it's definitely possible if on a section 3. It really does depend on the doctor and her risk. They do like to get people home for Christmas if they can though. This was on an acute ward and not a BPD unit, but I'd guess that wanting to get people home to spend time with their families would be pretty universal.

[sherlock holmes]

I was sectioned over christmas and not allowed any leave so my parents and brother brought my presents to the hospital and we sat in the family room for about 5 hours which was nice. They brought some games to play. Though a nurse still had to sit outside the room.

Leave is dependent on how your daughter is risk wise and the level of observation she needs. It might be possible for her to visit home, a nurse may have to come with her.

[HedKandi74]

Thanks everyone, I spoke to Dr yesterday and he said at the moment she is not allowed any leave until at least Christmas, and then he is maybe only looking at day leave for Christmas day, which would be a 12hour round trip for us to bring her home, so I think it's safe to say it's not going to happen! xx

[Snow White.]

I'm really sorry to hear that :( it sounds like having her home for Christmas was something you really wanted to have happen. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to have a loved one in hospital over Christmas like this but I am glad your daughter is getting the help she needs to ensure there are many more Christmases to come. Perhaps you could visit her and do your own celebration before or after the day. Maybe a gift could be some activities or colouring books so she's not too lonely and bored on the big day.

Take care.