General Information for Patients

Welcome to Ramsay Clinic Orange. We understand that entering a mental health facility can be a significant step. This guide provides detailed information to answer your questions and ensure a comfortable and supportive stay.

Accommodation

  • Relax and unwind in your private ensuite room, equipped with individual climate control for your comfort, a television for entertainment, and a cordless phone for easy communication.

Visitors

  • We recognize the importance of staying connected with loved ones. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you're welcome to receive visitors during designated hours:
    • Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Saturday-Sunday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Entry to Ramsay Clinic Orange is via the Wosley Street entrance.
  • Visitors should report to the Nursing Station upon arrival. Staff may occasionally need to adjust or restrict visiting arrangements.
  • We encourage discussions about pet visits with the Nurse Unit Manager beforehand. Animals, with the exception of registered assistance dogs, are not permitted inside the Clinic but may be brought to outdoor areas.

Carers and Family

  • We believe in a collaborative approach to care. Your family's involvement in your care planning process is highly encouraged. Resource kits containing valuable information are available upon request. Please note that patient consent is required for family involvement.

Client Care

  • Your treating doctor will determine your client category based on your specific needs and the level of care required. The nursing staff will provide a thorough explanation of the process.

Group Therapy

  • Group therapy is an integral part of your treatment plan at Ramsay Clinic Orange. These sessions provide a supportive environment where you can learn valuable skills and connect with others on a similar journey.
  • Our multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals facilitates sessions on various topics designed to address your specific needs, including:
    • Managing Anxiety
    • Managing Depression
    • Unhelpful Thinking Styles
    • Challenging Unhelpful Thinking
    • Diaphragmatic Breathing
    • Strategies to Manage Panic
    • Improving Self-Esteem

Safety and Security

  • Ramsay Clinic Orange prioritizes your safety and well-being. Here's how we ensure a secure environment:
    • Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras monitor communal areas to deter incidents and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
    • Staff members wear photo identification badges for easy identification and internal security purposes.
    • External doors to the hospital are alarmed at 10:30 PM for your safety. Please check with staff before opening any external doors early in the morning to ensure alarms are deactivated.
    • We have a zero-tolerance policy for aggression and violence. Any such behaviour will result in appropriate action, which may include being asked to leave the premises, discharge from the facility, police involvement, and/or legal action.
    • A room search may be conducted if a patient demonstrates symptoms or behaviours which suggest a potential for self-harm or the use of non-prescribed or illegal drugs.
    • It is strongly recommended that you bring minimal cash and valuables to the Clinic, as the Clinic does not accept liability for any lost or damaged items. Ramsay Clinic Orange is a cashless facility; however, a safe is available at the front of the hospital for longer-term security of valuables, which will be returned to you on the day of discharge.
    • Please clearly label all your belongings.

Confidentiality

  • We understand the importance of privacy. Please respect the confidentiality of other patients by not disclosing personal information like their identity or the nature of their illness outside the Clinic. We kindly ask visitors to do the same.
  • Cameras are not allowed inside the Clinic to protect patient confidentiality.

Daily Life

  • Housekeeping: Our dedicated housekeeping staff cleans rooms daily from 8:30 AM onwards. To maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, we kindly ask that you make your bed and keep your room and bathroom tidy if you're physically able to do so.
  • Meals: We provide nutritious meals at set times in the communal dining room:
    • Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
    • Morning Tea: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Lunch: 11:45 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Afternoon Tea: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Dinner: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Special dietary requirements and food allergies can be accommodated. Please inform the clinical staff on admission.
  • Visitors can dine with you for a nominal charge during visiting hours. Please see Reception staff during office hours or the clinical staff outside of these times to obtain a meal order form (visitor meals need to be ordered in advance from available items; please check with staff regarding times). We kindly request that you and your visitors refrain from bringing any food items into the Clinic.

Discharge

  • Staff will assist you in discharge planning from the day of admission, so that the essential and appropriate support and follow-up may be identified and co-ordinated in a timely manner for your recovery to continue when you are discharged.
  • Discharge planning from the day of admission helps to identify barriers to discharge and priority goals that require attention to ensure a goal-directed treatment plan is individualised from the beginning of your stay.

Medication

  • Medication is dispensed from the Clinic's medication room at designated times throughout the day:
    • 8:00 AM
    • 12:00 Noon
    • 6:00 PM
    • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • During your stay medication prescribed for conditions other than psychiatric conditions (e.g. physical conditions) will be your financial responsibility. All outstanding pharmacy accounts will be sent to you direct on discharge. These should be presented to your Health Fund as some of your medications may be covered. If you have Pharmaceutical Benefits Card please inform staff on admission and they will ensure this information is given to the Pharmacy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions at Ramsay Clinic Orange

What happens when I arrive at Ramsay Clinic Orange?

  • You'll meet with your psychiatrist twice a week, sometimes more often.
  • You'll participate in a group program that covers a variety of topics to support your well-being, including stress management, mental health, medication use, and family relationships. There are also fun and relaxing activities like exercise sessions, crafts, music therapy, and meditation.
  • Our skilled nursing staff is available 24/7 to provide care and support.
  • Many former patients have shared that connecting with others at the Clinic was a valuable part of their recovery experience.

Will there be someone to talk to if I can't sleep at night?

  • Absolutely. Our nursing staff is available around the clock to assist you.
  • When you arrive, you'll be assigned a level of care. During the first 24 hours, for safety reasons, you won't be able to leave the Clinic on your own. This may change after your psychiatrist reviews your progress.
  • Night staff routinely check on patients, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need something. There's always someone here to listen and support you.

Can I smoke at the Clinic?

  • Ramsay Clinic Orange is a smoke-free environment, including all indoor areas.
  • If your psychiatrist approves leave privileges, you may smoke in designated outdoor areas during permitted times. Smoking is not allowed at night or during group sessions.

Can I have overnight leave from the Clinic?

  • Overnight leave is not available at Ramsay Clinic Orange. This is in accordance with Ramsay Health Care policy and national safety guidelines for mental health facilities.

 

Important Contacts

 

Find a practitioner

Find a psychiatrist
Call 02 6361 6786