Ramsay Clinic Northside
What to bring
We understand that coming into our clinic can be an apprehensive time, our role is to ensure that your stay with us is comfortable, safe and rewarding. Helping you recover from mental illness is the heart of what we do.
The Ramsay Clinic Northside Admission Coordinators are experienced mental health clinicians who are available to discuss your particular needs and can advise you of the treatment options available. The Ramsay Clinic Northside is a voluntary facility, therefore it is necessary for the admission staff to speak to each patient prior to being admitted into one of our clinics as certain exclusion criteria may apply. They will also be able to check your health insurance and advise you of any out of pocket expenses. If you do not have health insurance they will be able to advise you of the cost. All admissions must be supported by a referral from your GP or psychiatrist.
Once you have been given a date for admission to the clinic it is also important that you read the privacy policy.
You will feel most comfortable wearing casual clothing around our clinic during the day and you will also require night attire, toiletries and other personal items. For safety purposes, covered shoes should be worn at all times and, if planning to go for walks it is recommended that suitable footwear and clothing be worn.
It is recommended that you do not bring any valuables such as large amounts of money, jewellery or expensive appliances to the clinic. You might however, like to bring an iPad or similar device with headphones. Please clearly label your belongings. Each room is fitted with a television for your personal viewing.
Coming into hospital can be an unsettling experience. Leaving the familiarity of the home environment, friends and family, can leave you feeling somewhat vulnerable. The first days of your admission are usually associated with getting familiar with your new surroundings and building a therapeutic rapport with your treating team and Unit staff.
During your stay, we would like to provide you with not only the best clinical care and treatment, but a complete and positive experience in every possible way.
Your psychiatrist will discuss and direct your psychiatric, medical and allied health treatment whilst you are staying at the Ramsay Clinic Northside. If you have any concerns about your progress or management please discuss these with your doctor, or the nurse in charge of your unit. There is an expectation that you will attend recommended in-patient programs throughout your stay.
Alcohol, Drugs & Prescribed Medication
Alcohol or non-prescribed drugs should not be brought into the Ramsay Clinic Northside by patients or visitors. Consumption of alcohol or drugs in the hospital, or leaving the hospital to consume alcohol or drugs, may result in cessation of treatment and discharge from Ramsay Clinic Northside.
All medication that you bring to the clinic must be given to the nursing staff on arrival. Please advise staff of any allergies or adverse reactions you may have to medication.
Driving/Parking
In-patients of the Ramsay Clinic Northside are not permitted to drive whilst receiving in-patient psychiatric treatment.
Visitors are able to park in the visitor car parks located at Ramsay Clinic Northside. Some parking fees may apply – refer to the notice board upon entry to car park at each Clinic.
Identification
Regulations require a positive identification system for medication administration. A photo will be taken on admission as a means of staff being able to identify each patient. One photo will be kept on your medical file and another will be affixed to your medication sheet.
Mobile Phones
When you are admitted please ask our staff if mobiles can be used in your room. Mobiles may be used in all public areas including the coffee shop. Northside Group clinics does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your mobile phone.
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
An information sheet outlining "Your Rights and Responsibilities” is available in your welcome pack on admission.
Smoking
Ramsay Clinic Northside and hospital grounds are a smoke free environment.
Suitable Dress
All patients are required to be appropriately dressed during their stay at Ramsay Clinic Northside. Night attire is not deemed suitable for wearing whilst in public areas, including the dining room and group rooms. Offensive slogans on t-shirts are also discouraged.
Valuables
It is advised that you do not bring large amounts of money and other valuables to Ramsay Clinic Northside. The clinic does not accept liability for loss or damage to personal items. This includes clothing, jewellery, money and electrical appliances.
Visiting Hours
We recognise the importance of maintaining contact with your family and friends. Unless otherwise determined by your doctor, you are free to receive visitors, but you are reminded that your treatment program is very important and you are requested to ensure that visitors do not interrupt attendance at program sessions.
Please check with your relevant unit regarding suitable visiting hours.
Your feedback
As part of our ongoing quality improvement programs we welcome your feedback and any suggestions on how we can improve our services. You may also be asked to participate in some of our quality improvement initiatives such as focus groups and patient satisfaction surveys. Ongoing improvements to our services and facilities are made from the feedback you give us.
Your privacy
All facilities owned by Ramsay Health Care comply with the Commonwealth Privacy Act and all other State Legislative requirements in relation to the management of personal information. You may feel safe in the knowledge that we safeguard your personal health information ensuring that confidentiality is respected and information is stored securely. Our Privacy Policy and Consent Form relating to collection and use of health information by the Ramsay Clinic Northside will be provided on admission.
We thank you for taking the time to read this information and we appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance to you during your stay.
What to expect on arrival
On arrival you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff who will assist you in completing any remaining paper work you may have.
At reception you will be greeted by a member of your nursing team who will join you in a walk around the clinic, ensuring that you are able to find your way around easily. Once you are comfortable and settled within your room, our nursing team will then take you through a number of formalities designed to find out your recovery intentions and goals for your stay.
Our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as we can, we want you to feel at home and relaxed during your stay.
Expectations on entry
We want our hospitals to be safe, private places where people feel comfortable, well cared for and respected. That’s why we request certain standards of behaviour from all our visitors, patients and staff. Thank you for understanding.
