Hastings Acute & Urgent Care Services are all located on the grounds of the Conquest Hospital, the local District General Hospital in Hastings, East Sussex.
Inpatient services
We have three inpatient wards for adults with mental health problems.
Abbey ward a 14-bedded female acute ward, Castle ward a 9-bedded male acute ward and St Raphael ward a 17-bedded male acute ward for older adults.
We also have two bespoke health-based 'Places of Safety' that have just recently opened for people who have been detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
Urgent Care services
We have our Crisis Home Treatment Team who provide intensive support to people in the community who are in crisis with mental health problems, this is often as an alternative to hospital admission or to support people to return home from hospital quicker.
Our Mental Health Liaison team provide assessment, support and advise to the Conquest Hospital to patients who may be physically unwell and/or receiving treatment there.
We also have our recently built Haven, this is a service that provides a calm and supportive environment for people in crisis in order to avoid them having to present to emergency services or the emergency department if they have no medical need to be there.
About us
We operate a joined up working approach in Hastings, with our colleagues supporting each other across the wards and urgent care teams. Working together in this was allows us to provide the best outcomes for patients, and a supportive working environment for our staff.
Both adult acute wards have undertaken recent structural changes in order to provide a safe environment for both patients and staff.
Current feedback from patients tells us that the provision is a great improvement, allowing staff to be out in the ward environment with patients and have the time to nurse.
St Raphael ward is currently undergoing restructuring to provide an environment whereby all patients will have their own room. The recently built Haven has been described as a tranquil environment where people can receive urgent assessment and/or support 24/7 without the need to attend the Emergency Department.
Award winning
In November 2018, Woodlands (Abbey and Castle ward) was recognized at the Trust's Positive Practice awards with a Gold medal in the Team Award (clinical) category, an outstanding achievement for the team.
We pride ourselves with forward, dynamic and innovative thinking while delivering safe care.
In 2021, Hastings Acute services received the Highly Commended COVID Response Team of the year.
One patient stated, '"This is the best inpatient stay I have had and now I am ready to go home feeling heard and valued".
Location
Based at Conquest District Hospital in Hastings, we are surrounded by greenery with local amenities such as grocery shops and restaurants nearby.
Wider Hastings also has a lot to offer! As an attractive seaside resort town, Hastings is a popular choice for day trips, sporting events and is a fantastic place to enjoy some walking in either the historic Old Town or hiking along the picturesque coastal landmarks.
Take a look at our location FAQ to learn more about where we're based...
Yes, you can!
By bus:
There are many bus shelters on the Conquest Hospital site. The main shelters are near the front entrance, and there are bus shelters in the lay-bys immediately outside on The Ridge.
Visit the Stagecoach website for details.
By train:
The closest main line station is Hastings which is approximately 3 miles away from the hospital.
Main line trains from London Charing Cross, and London Victoria (via Eastbourne) run regularly to Hastings.
A good alternative would be Battle as this station is also around 3 miles away from the hospital. However, as it's not a main line station it does not have the same frequency of trains stopping.
Visit the Network Rail Website for information on train timetables.
Yes!
There's the Friends of Conquest Hospital Shop that sells newspapers, magazines, food and a range of toiletries.
There's also the 1066 Coffee Shop at the main entrance of the hospital.
On your day off, the local area around the hosptial provides a variety of different things for you to do. Whether you want to do something with the kids or simply celebrate the local coast and countryside, there's always something for you to do!
1. Have a dance on the pier
Every year between July-September, Hastings Pier turns its top deck into a stage to showcase their best and upcoming bands in and around the area, plus a couple of acoustic acts and a DJ or two thrown in for good measure. The event is free for everyone to go and listen to some tunes; however, they encourage you to chuck a few quid to those you like.
2. Old town carnival
Every summer, the picture postcard of Old Town hosts their yearly carnival. The event is a week of exciting events from Pram Racing to Treasure Trails, Art Shows, Live Music, and Street Parties, all culminating in a Grand Carnival Procession.
Looking for something a little more sophisticated? The carnival also hosts a Cheese and Wine lunch, including a plate of mixed French cheeses with French bread donated by local businesses.
3. Pirate Day
Looking to dress up and have a bit of pirate fun? Each year the town turns into a pirate hideaway, with pirate acts, parrots, storytelling, quizzes and treasure hunts and other surprises along the way. In 2022 the event celebrates 10-years of pirate fun!
4. Fresh fish huts
Fancy tasting the freshest fish you can imagine? Along Hastings beach, you will be able to find huts selling a variety of fresh fish caught that day from the local ocean. Head down to try a few of their British delicacies.
Just a 10-minute drive!
Yes, we encourage flexible working!
We know that a positive work/life balance brings about huge health-related benefits, which has a positive impact on the care we provide. Please speak to us about flexible working, for example, home-working, part time hours, flexible start/finish times or anything else.
If it works for you and works for the role, we'll do our best to make it happen.
Our vacancies
Are you looking for a career in mental health? Does our Hastings Acute & Urgent Care service speak to you? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
Take a look at each of our wards listed below, and either apply direct or feel free contact us for more information (details of which can be found under each dropdown).
Abbey Ward is a specialist 14-bed acute inpatient ward for adult females with mental health problems. We have two dedicated consultants and a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), plus the further support from the wider Woodlands Unit nursing team.
Click on each vacancy below to view in further detail:
For further information / informal visits please contact Christine Henham, Clinical Operational Nurse Manager - christine.henham@spft.nhs.uk / 07887982764
Castle Ward is a specialist 9-bed acute inpatient ward for adult males with mental health problems. We have two dedicated consultants and a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), plus the further support from the wider Woodlands Unit nursing team.
Vacancy details coming soon.
St Raphael is a 17 bedded mental health acute ward located alongside Woodlands at St Anne’s Centre on the grounds of the Conquest Hospital. Our ward is specifically for older people or those with additional physical and wellbeing needs based.
Click on each vacancy below to view in further detail:
Consultant Psychiatrist (Older Adult Inpatient & Liaison)
Healthcare Assistant - St Raphael
For further information / informal visits please contact Christine Henham, Clinical Operational Nurse Manager - christine.henham@spft.nhs.uk / 07887982764
The Place of Safety Suite is a dedicated mental health facility for people that have been detained by the police and brought to us for a safe assessment of their mental health needs.
Vacancy details coming soon.
For further information / informal visits please contact Nigel Simmons, Castle and PoS Ward Manager - nigel.simmons@spft.nhs.uk / 03003 040 252