Inpatient Mental Health is a 10 bed unit for persons over the age of 18 with psychiatric disorders who cannot safely be assessed, diagnosed, and stabilized in the community. The intent of all admissions is to assist the person over a crisis period until s/he is able to participate in outpatient therapy.

Admission process:

Referrals to the service are seen by our Early Response Service during the day and after hours through the Emergency Department.  Usually emergency admissions involve a risk of safety to the person or to others.

Most patients are admitted voluntarily; however, if there is an issue of safety to self or others after a complete assessment, the patient may be certified and admitted against his/her will.  We admit voluntary and involuntary patients to the unit but do not carry out Forensic assessments.

Forensic assessments can only be carried out at the provincial facility and must be ordered by the courts.  We do not have access to the Forensic Unit.  This is accessed through the Judicial System.
 
Treatment:

Once on the unit, the patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team, which consists of Psychiatrists, Nurses, and Social Workers.  The team meets weekly to make a treatment plan and assess progress.

Psychiatrists are in charge of the care of each patient.  A primary nurse is assigned who works most closely with the patient.  Each person has an individualized treatment plan made together with the patient and treatment team.

Support and education for families is available and encouraged.  Visiting hours are from 2:30pm to 8:30pm daily.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.