Inpatient & Visitors

The Inpatient Mental Health unit is a 21-bed unit serving patient 18 years of age and older with a focus on short-term crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment/treatment and stabilization.

The interdisciplinary team consists of nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, social worker, recreation therapist, and volunteers. In collaboration with a Mental Health Team, patients will develop a comprehensive plan of treatment to return back to the community.  This plan will reflect their needs and goals for recovery.

• Patients
  • Confidentiality - It's your decision
  • Patient Rights - Mental Health Act
  • What to bring
  • Before you leave Joseph Brant Hospital
• Visitors
  • Personal belongings

Patients 

To access the Inpatient Mental Health Unit, please arrive to the Emergency Department to be assessed. 

Upon arrival to the Inpatient Mental Health Unit, you will be assigned a Primary Nurse and an Associate Nurse who will work with you to help address your treatment goals and plan your care during your stays.

While you are an inpatient, we encourage therapeutic activities. This would include:

• Participating in safety and treatment plans relating to your care
• Participating in your assigned groups
• Completing assignments provided by your Therapist and/or Psychiatrist
• Using approved leaves of absence to assess your readiness to return to the community

Confidentiality - It's your decision

Your hospital stay is confidential.

The Hospital cannot give out any information about you to anyone, including family members, without your verbal or written consent. 

 Patient Rights - Mental Health Act 

The Mental Health Act is the legislation that safeguards the rights of patients in Ontario. If you are an involuntary patient, you may request or be requested to meet with a Patient Rights Advisor to review concerns or answer questions.

The Patient Rights Advisor can be reached at the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office by calling 1-800-578-2343.

What to bring

You will need only a small number of items: 

• Street clothes

• Toiletries
• Sleepwear, slippers

Due to our limited storage space, we ask that you please bring only the most essential items.

For safety reasons:

• All belongings must be searched upon arrival by staff.
• All sharp objects such as razors, scissors or nail clippers will be kept at the Nursing Station.
• Small electrical appliances (shaver, hair dryer, etc.) must first be kept at the Nursing Station to be checked by the Hospital's Maintenance Department.

Joseph Brant Hospital is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings.  We encourage you to return any valuables, medications or money (more than $20.00) home. 

Laptop, digital music device and/or cell phone use is not permitted on the Unit.  

Before you leave Joseph Brant Hospital

Before you leave the Hospital, we will discuss follow-up plans with you, based on your individual needs and preferences. 

Plans may include referrals to other Hospital services, community agencies and/or a Physician. 

You will be given a discharge information sheet with a list of your medications and your follow up appointment(s).  Please take that information sheet and give it to your Family Physician at your next appointment.

Visitors

Due to COVID-19, visiting hours are restricted.

You may visit a patient between the following hours: 

• 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Monday to Friday
• 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Weekends & Holidays

Visiting hours are established in consultation with the patient and may be adjusted based on the clinical care needs of the patient or roommate.

To protect our patients, please use the hand washing stations located at all our entrances. Do not visit the hospital if you or your children are feeling sick, have a fever or cough, have diarrhea or vomiting.

Please note: If sending or bringing in flowers please make sure they are in a non-breakable container.

Personal Belongings

Any belongings being brought in for patients must be checked in at the nursing station prior to leaving them with patients.

The following items may not be left behind:

• Glass or other breakable items
• Sharp objects e.g. : scissors, razors
• Plastic bags
• Medication