Going into Hospital

Hospital and Community Treatment:
The preferred treatment option , if at all possible, is community based psychiatric services.
Patients are admitted voluntarily, as informal patients, or under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. Admission is by a psychiatrist only.
Voluntary or Informal Admission:
Informal or voluntary patients are free to refuse treatment or to discharge themselves at any time, but please discuss these plans with staff if you are considering doing this.
Committed or Involuntary Admission:
The exact circumstances will vary from person to person, but in general, you are admitted for your own health or safety or for the protection of others. These circumstances must be due to a mental illness that can be treated in Te Puna Waiora.
There are a number of legal requirements setting out the circumstances and limits as to when and how a person can be a committed or involuntary patient. These will be explained to you and your family/whanau on admission and during the course of your hospital treatment.
Committed patients are required by law to take the treatment prescribed for them and must stay in hospital until the discharge is approved. It is important that you understand this process and the importance of it. If you require further explanations - please ask a staff member.
Any patient concerned about their legal rights may ask to see the District Inspector of Mental Health, Taranaki.
For further information please request from a staff member the fact-sheet Understanding Compulsory Treatment.
It is also OK to bring in some personal items such as photos and small radios. Earphones are preferred. This may help to make you feel more comfortable.
Please DO NOT bring any valuable items into the unit, as we cannot guarantee their safety and do not take responsibility for property. Please ask your family to take your valuables home. Money can be locked in a safe at corporate reception.
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the unit. All prescription drugs, over the counter medication and herbal preparations must be handed in on admission or return from leave.
Feedback is always welcome
Like Minds Taranaki, 06-759-0966, email: mental.health@xtra.co.nz
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