Depending on the treatment and care you need during your hospital stay, you will meet many different staff members. We all wear a name badge, will introduce ourselves to you and explain why we are seeing you.
Consultant psychiatrist and psychiatric registrar
Your consultant psychiatrist is the senior doctor in charge of your treatment. Psychiatric registrars are doctors who are completing further study to specialise in psychiatry. The consultant psychiatrist works with the psychiatric registrar to assess and diagnose your condition and to prescribe treatment and care.
Nurses
Teams of nurses work in the unit 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. They will be your first contact for any concerns you may have about your care and/or experience in the unit. They will take care of your daily care needs, including:
- giving you medicine
- taking physical assessments such as taking your blood pressure or temperature
- teaching you about mental health issues and treatment
- assisting you to meet your basic physical health needs
- engage with you in therapeutic activities
- offering emotional support.
Nurses will change from shift to shift. Nurses write notes about your progress for your treating team. Speak with your nurse if you have any problems or have any questions about your care. You can also give your nurse any feedback you have for your treating team about your recovery.
Psychologists
Psychologists can spend time talking with you help you work through any problems you may be facing. They can recommend services and/or private psychologists that may be able to help you in your recovery.
The psychologist may also complete an assessment to help give you and your treating team a better understanding of your symptoms, diagnosis, strengths, weaknesses, and any changes from how you were before you became unwell.
Social workers
Social workers can support you, your family (including children) to better manage and understand why you are in hospital, plan for your recovery and coordinate services you and your family may need once you leave hospital.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists (OTs) will talk with you about the everyday activities that are important to you. This can include a variety of things like cooking, spending time with friends or going to work. If you are having problems doing any of these activities, the OT will help you work out the best way to work through these problems, including recommending services to support you in your recovery.
Creative arts therapist
Our creative arts therapists provide both one to one art therapy and therapeutic groups.
Art therapy uses various processes, such as ceramics, painting, drawing, collage, movement and music, to help you explore your experience and find solutions to challenges you may be facing. You do not need to have any experience, talent or even interest in art to participate. The focus is on the process of making the work and the meaning found within, rather than the final artwork.
Allied health assistants
Allied health assistants (AHAs) provide practical support to you and to therapeutic and recreational groups. They also take people on outings, either as part of the therapeutic program or to help them get ready to leave hospital.
Assistants in nursing
Assistants in nursing (AINs) offer one on one nursing support if you need extra care during your stay. They also help nurses with the day to day running of the unit .
Health services officer
Health services officers help provide meals and other services.
Consumer consultant
The consumer consultant shares with staff the experiences of people who stay at the unit and uses this information to improve the service. The Consumer Consultant spends time speaking with people in the social areas of the unit. Please let us know if you would like to speak with the consumer consultant.
Exercise physiologist
Our exercise physiologists promotes exercise to improve your general wellbeing and to address any specific medical conditions. They work with people individually and in groups.
Non-clinical staff
Staff who are not health professionals are called non-clinical staff. They include ward clerks, wards persons, ward assistants, security personnel, personal support officers, food services staff, patient support officers, customer service officers and cleaning staff. Together, they take care of the daily running of the hospital.
One of the most important people involved in your care is you, your family and/or carers. Find out more about getting involved in your own care.
The Official Visitor Scheme
Official Visitors report directly to the Minister for Mental Health are empowered by law to meet and talk with people in mental health inpatient units. The Official Visitor frequently visits the units; however, you can contact the Official Visitor at any time. The phone number is 1800 150 036 and the email address is ovs@act.gov.au
The Public Advocate
The Public Advocate works to protect and promote the rights and interests of people in the ACT who are experiencing vulnerability. You may contact the Public Advocate at any time. The phone number is (02) 6205 2222 and the email address is human.rights@act.gov.au