Your stay

The social program includes something for everyone – whether it’s taking in a movie, joining in music, art and craft, meditation or a group walk to the lake.

We have a gymnasium and our fully qualified exercise physiologist writes a program for each patient taking into account their health and wellbeing needs. In addition to fully supervised gym sessions, we offer classes such as yoga.

Before your stay

Our Intake Co-ordinator will contact you before your admission is booked to ensure appropriate admission arrangements are made. They will also advise you of any health fund restrictions or out of pocket expenses associated with our services.

On arrival                 

Our admissions service was created to provide you with a more personalised admission process to help reduce the anxiety that is often experienced when coming into hospital. Our friendly admissions staff provide a point of contact during your stay and can help with any questions or needs.

Upon admission you will be required to a sign some important documents that aid us in providing a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors:

• Informed Financial Consent
• Ramsay Health Care Privacy Policy
• Lakeside Clinic Code of Conduct

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 of our Expectations on Entry.

Orientation

Admission nursing staff will conduct a general admission assessment with you. This assessment - in conjunction with your treating Psychiatrist - will provide the basis for your admission care plan during your stay.

Our Clinic staff will show you to your room and give you an orientation of the Clinic. For security and safety reasons, this staff member will also collect all medications and prescriptions you have brought in, to hand over to nursing staff. (You may be required to transfer to another room or different Unit during your stay.)

Each ward has a Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) who oversees the running of the ward. They are available at your request.

The first days of your admission are usually spent familiarising yourself with your new surroundings and starting to build a therapeutic rapport with your treating team and Unit staff.

General information

• Please note, in accordance with Ramsay Health Care policy and National Safety Priorities in Mental Health, overnight leave cannot be granted under any circumstance.
• Patient information such as the Group Therapy Program, information about Official Visitors, sign out books, and other general information are available near the nurses stations.
• Should you have any maintenance issues with your room during your stay at the hospital please discuss with the nursing staff or at morning meeting so these issues can be reported to the maintenance department.
• The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights is available to everyone in the health care system. It allows patients, consumers, families, carers and providers to share an understanding of the rights of people receiving health care.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care have resources available for people with cognitive impairment and provide information on your right to get health care that is good and safe.
• Patients are not permitted to drive a vehicle while an inpatient. If your vehicle cannot be returned home by a relative or friend, please hand your keys to nursing staff who will secure them for the duration of your stay. You will be required to sign a form agreeing to these conditions.
• A closed circuit television (CCTV) system is installed throughout the Hospital to assist in the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for all patients, visitors and staff. Footage will only be accessed by persons authorised to do so.
• No alcohol is to be brought into the hospital or consumed at any time whilst you are a client of Ramsay Clinic Lakeside. Non adherence to this policy may result in your immediate discharge.