What happens when you have ECT

ECT is given in hospital and usually takes place in a set of rooms called the ‘ECT suite’. Occasionally, if this is unavailable or you have significant physical health problems, treatment might take place in another hospital with more medical support, or in an operating theatre.

Some people having ECT are inpatients in hospital, while others will have ECT as day patients. If you are a day patient, a named, responsible adult will have to accompany you to and from the ECT suite.
An ECT suite should have a room where you can wait, a room where you have your treatment, and a room where you can recover properly before leaving.

Qualified staff will look after you all the time you are there. They can help answer any questions or concerns you might have before you have the treatment. They will also help you with the process of waking up from the anaesthetic and during the time straight after the treatment.