Some of the signs you may need to go to hospital include:

• You may be a danger to yourself, or the people around you
• You may be experiencing thoughts or behaviours of suicide or wanting to harm yourself
• You are struggling to take care of yourself. This could include stopping eating, medication, bathing or showering, or leaving your home
• You are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem that make it hard to tell the difference between what is real, and not real
• You are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem that make it hard for you to manage your feelings

A hospital admission will be as short as possible, so you can continue your recovery in your community.

An admission to hospital can be voluntary, or involuntary under the NSW Mental Health Act. Visit information for consumers and carers for more information.

What happens in hospital? 

Hospital is a time to rest and get support from the healthcare team in a safe environment. You can be in close contact with doctors and nurses who can get your medications right and support you. Every ward has a group program which is designed to help your recovery in body and mind. Nurses on the ward will have the most contact with you, and help coordinate all the members of the team you might need to see. While you are in hospital we will review your physical health also. Your care and treatment in hospital will be matched to your needs and preferences. 

What to bring

Please bring only one bag. There are laundry facilities available. You will need regular clothes to wear during the day, comfortable shoes, and your toiletries. You will not spend the day in your pyjamas. Please bring your Medicare card, all your medication, and any information about your medical history including allergies. 

What shouldn’t I bring?

The Mental Health Service can not take responsibility for valuable items that are lost or stolen. Please do not bring any valuables to hospital. Amounts of money over $50 will be sent to the trust office for collection on discharge. Drugs and alcohol should be handed to staff on arrival. Our hospitals are a smoke free environment. Please hand your cigarettes or tobacco to the nursing staff when you arrive, they will be returned to you on discharge. We will provide you with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and support you in taking a break from smoking. 

What do I tell work?

You are entitled to use sick leave while you are in hospital. The hospital will provide you with a medical certificate.

What will happen when I arrive?

When you come to hospital you will be shown around and given information about your healthcare team and what will happen during the day. You will meet with a Psychiatrist or Registrar who will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and experiences, how you’re coping, your medical history, and the things you are good at, enjoy doing and want to do. 

How long will I be in hospital?

There is not fixed time, your discharge will be planned around your recovery. Discharge planning will involve you, your health care team, and the people important in your life.

What about safety?

Everyone has the right to feel emotionally, physically, sexually, culturally and socially safe, and be treated with dignity and respect. Sexual activity or activity interpreted as sexual in nature is not acceptable in hospital. Please talk to a member of the health care team if you do not feel safe. 

To maintain a safe and secure environment, staff will request to search your belongings and the environment, including your bedroom. This will be done in consultation with you. 

If you have any prohibited items please hand them to staff. Prohibited items will include drugs, sharp objects like razors or scissors, and lighters or matches. Staff may ask to remove any long cords or belts also, for your safety and the safety of others in the ward. 

Can I be treated without my consent?

If someone is very unwell and doesn’t understand the need for treatment, and not having treatment will put them or others in danger, the law allows for that person to be treated without their consent. This is called involuntary treatment, our staff can provide you with more written information if you want to know more. You will be involved in your care planning even if you are being treated involuntarily.

What about my family?

Our staff will give your family written information about mental health care. You can have visitors in hospital. Children can visit, please plan children’s visits with the Nursing Unit Manager so we can make sure the ward is safe. If there are visitors you do not want to see please let our staff know. If you have pets at home that need care, please tell staff as soon as possible so we can ensure care for your pet is arranged.

Can I use my mobile phone in hospital?

Mobile phones can be used under supervision. To ensure safety, security, privacy and confidentiality your phone will be secured when you are not using it. There are ward phones you can use to stay in contact with family and friends, and ward iPads you can use. There is free visitor Wi-Fi you can access.

What happens after you leave hospital?

It helps to think about hospital as an important stopover between the crisis that bought you in to hospital, to being well enough to continue your recovery in your community.

Your care team will make a plan with you, for your recovery in the community. Usually people need some follow up from a clinician, but not always. You should keep contact with your doctor or GP. Your team may also suggest you see a private practitioner, attend a group, or access care coordination; depending on your needs. You may be discharged on a Community Treatment Order, under the NSW Mental Health Act, 2007.