Admissions

Knowing what to expect when you come to St John of God Richmond Hospital will help you be prepared for your upcoming stay with us.

What to expect

Your three-week inpatient program will be tailored to meet your needs. You can expect to cover and explore a range of psychoeducational topics. Your goals are planned together with our multidisciplinary teams, and you are provided the opportunity to discover skills relevant to your experiences and needs.

We have provided the below overview which explains what to expect throughout your stay with us.

On admission

When you first arrive, please see a member of reception who will inform the admissions officer and your medical team of your arrival.

You will then be asked to complete and sign paperwork related to your stay. To ensure you are aware of any out-of-pocket expenses, make sure you check with your health insurance fund and doctor regarding your treatment and what your insurance will cover.

Once you have completed your paperwork, you will be shown to your unit. A medical officer will conduct a clinical assessment and nursing caregivers will complete your admission into the unit and answer any questions.

For patient and caregiver safety a bag search and a drug test may be undertaken. Any medications or supplements will need to be handed over to nursing caregivers. Sharp items or illicit substances will be confiscated.

What to bring

All forms, letters, referral/requests from your doctor(if applicable)
Private health insurance card
Medicare card
Department of Veterans’ Affairs card (if applicable)
Pension card (if applicable)
Pharmacy entitlement card (if applicable)
Credit card, cash or cheque to settle your account
Your general practitioners (GP’s) name and contact details
Any current medication in original packaging and prescriptions (including repeats)
Everyday clothing and night attire including footwear
Toiletries (no alcohol-based mouth wash)
Laundry powder or detergent in unopened container
Razors (see below for restrictions)
Mobile phones and chargers (these will be inspected by our nurses)

What not to bring

Furniture
Flammable materials including candles, incense, lighter fluid
Aromatherapy burners (candle or electric)
Heat/cold or wheat packs
Electric blankets
Night lights, bedside lamps
Computers/games consoles (other than a standard laptop)
Hair dyes, spray tan or nail polish
Cleaning fluids, bleach
Alcohol based mouth wash
Glass bottles
Spray air-fresheners, fly spray
Glues, art paints, drills, pliers, knives or craft tools
Drum sets, guitars
Weights or exercise equipment
Weapons of any type
Alcohol and/or illicit drugs
Large amounts of cash and non-essential jewellery
Wire coat hangers
Ropes, string

Medication

Please bring your current medications in their original containers/packaging and any prescriptions for these medications if you will run out during your stay. These items will be collected by nursing caregivers on admission.

An onsite pharmacy will dispense any medications prescribed by your consulting psychiatrists. Please note your health fund may not cover the cost of medication that is not related to your reason for being in hospital. You may be charged for each item if you do not have your own supply.

You may also be charged for medicines dispensed as discharge medication.

Sharp instruments and razors

All non-electronic razors or sharp instruments need to be left with a caregiver for safe keeping. You will be asked to deposit these on arrival.

Meals

Meals are served in our dining room or you can purchase items from Gibson’s Café. For more information, visit our facilities page.

Incoming calls

Each ward or unit has a phone, a caregiver can give you the number. Incoming calls cannot be received during your medical consultation or group therapy times.

Laundry

We have laundry facilities for your personal washing, drying and ironing needs.

Smoking

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. For locations, please enquire with reception or a caregiver.

Driving

Driving is not permitted during your admission. Please have a friend or relative drop you off and pick you up for your admission.

Shopping trips

We run weekly shopping trips which you are able to attend from week two of your admission to pick up any essentials you may require.

Group therapy

You are required to attend compulsory group therapy programs each day throughout your admission. We also provide meditation, exercise, art and music therapy groups that are optional to attend.

Requesting leave

Leave from hospital may be available from your second week of admission however it must be approved by your treating team with a view to support your discharge planning.

Discharge

Planning for your return home is an important part of your recovery and we encourage all patients to be actively involved in the planning and development of your discharge plan.

In collaboration with you and your family, your treating team will provide support and guidance with your transfer of care to the community.

Telehealth

Telehealth offers the ability to access care from the home, work or other private space without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

St John of God Health Care uses both phone and video call to connect you to your healthcare providers.