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Abbeygate Ward

  • Abbeygate Ward, based at Wedgwood House in West Suffolk, is an assessment and treatment inpatient ward. Abbeygate Ward looks after older people in West Suffolk who have a physical health need and a mental health need. Some of the inpatient beds on Abbeygate Ward are for the care of people with dementia.

  • Service Manager Lead: Vanessa Cotter
  • Address:
    Abbeygate Ward,  Wedgwood House,  West Suffolk Hospital,  Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
  • Reception phone number: Telephone the ward on 01284 719788 or via reception on 01284 719700.
  • Service hours: This ward is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What this service offers

When somebody gets admitted to Abbeygate Ward a variety of assessments are delivered and treatment options discussed with them – they will have the opportunity to engage in these discussions.

The patient will have their own en-suite room. We have separate sleeping areas for males and females.

The length of stay on Abbeygate Ward can vary, this is discussed with patients.

Inpatients can expect to have a review each week with access to a wide range of mental health professionals.

Meal choices are considered along with special dietary requests which will be provided by catering staff who cook fresh meals on site.

This ward treats the following conditions:

  • Bipolar disorder,
  • Mood disorders such as Depression and Mania,
  • Psychotic disorders,
  • Dementia umbrella conditions e.g. Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia,
  • Post-Traumatic Stress disorder,
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder,
  • Personality Disorders.

Access this service

Abbeygate Ward is an inpatient service. Access is via a GP referral, our Access and Assessment team or other services such as our Psychiatric Liaison team and Crisis Response service.

Our West Suffolk Home and Treatment team manage all referrals but, if you are currently receiving help from us you can speak to your care co-ordinator.

Visiting and onsite facilities

Abbeygate Ward has a quiet room for use by visitors and a room off the ward for visitors with children.

Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Abbeygate Ward. If this is an issue it is advisable to call the ward before visiting.

Parking is available in the main hospital car park, charges do apply.

Abbeygate Ward is on the ground floor and has good disabled access including toilet facilities for the disabled.

A vending machine offering snacks and refreshments is available. A café is also located in the main hospital. Our ward staff can offer drinks to visitors upon request.

How this service support carers including friends and family

Family and carers can form part of an inpatient’s assessment and care. With permission, staff may speak to relatives and carers to offer support and to work together to improve care.

Abbeygate Ward provides Carers Clinics on the ward for carers, including family and friends.

If carers need extra support, they could have a Carers Assessment which we can offer via Social Services.

Urgent help

If you are a service user and are in crisis and need support urgently you can contact your service on the number which will have been provided.  

Call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to our 24 hour mental health crisis line.

If you are with someone who has attempted suicide, call 999 and stay with them until the ambulance arrives. 

If anyone is at serious risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police. 

For non-life threatening medical situations, call NHS111 on 111.  

For more information, see Help in a Crisis.

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