Hospital-stay Services for Adults
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Coping with mental illness can be difficult. KHSC provides dedicated inpatient care for people aged 18 and over who require intensive support and treatment for acute mental health challenges.
Inpatient mental health care may be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the specific situation:
- Voluntary admission is when a person with a mental health concern comes to the Emergency Department, where the doctor will determine the level of care required and admit the patient, if necessary.
- Involuntary admission is when a person with a mental health complication is held in hospital for an assessment and treatment period when they may pose a risk to themselves or others. The Mental Health Act establishes guidelines for involuntary admission and patient rights.
KHSC also offers outpatient programs for mental health care, early psychosis intervention and eating disorders. The Detoxification Centre offers inpatient care for individuals seeking support for substance withdrawal.
The admission process
When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet with a nurse who will conduct a health assessment, ask questions about medication and mental health history, and provide an orientation to the unit. The information collected will help ensure a safe and supportive stay.
During admission, patients will be given an identification wristband and, if any allergies are noted, a separate allergy wristband.
What to bring
- Pack a 3-day wardrobe, comfy clothes without strings, slippers, personal scent-free toiletries and a medication list.
- Soft covered reading materials, non-spiral bound notebooks, writing and small hobby supplies (i.e. pencils, crayons, markers, word searches and crosswords) are permitted.
- Phones, laptops, and tablets are allowed but have specific usage hours and guidelines.
Any items that can be a threat or danger to patients and/or staff will be stored in a secure patient specific location and illegal items or substances will be confiscated and disposed of.
Items to leave at home
- Sharp objects, overly-scented items, fire-producing items, inappropriate clothing or items and substances are not permitted.
Please avoid bringing valuables. If items cannot be sent home, they will be stored in a secure location; however, KHSC is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged valuables.
Care and treatment
The inpatient mental health unit provides a safe and supportive treatment environment.
Nursing staff work in rotating shifts, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. A specific nurse will be assigned to each patient for each shift. Patients will meet with a psychiatrist and/or resident daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Psychiatrists will discuss patient progress and treatment goals or issues.
On weekends and holidays, there is an on-call team that is available for new admissions and emergency issues only. Psychiatrists consult with other healthcare team members (including social workers, occupational therapists, pharmacists etc.). Based on the treatment plan, specific members of the treatment team will be involved and are available to meet with patients throughout the day.
Since everyone’s treatment and recovery is different, the length of stay in hospital varies for each patient. Treatment time depends on how you respond to medications and supports, and when you’re able to continue treatment in the community. The goal is to help you leave the hospital as soon as you are ready.
Safewards
The Safewards program brings staff and patients together to create a safe and positive care environment. It consists of 10 practical methods that helps the care team to spot potential concerns early, reduce tensions and promote collaboration. These interventions help staff work together with patients to improve treatment.
Research shows that using all 10 Safewards techniques significantly improves the mental health care environment.
KHSC’s inpatient mental health unit is committed to continuing to make our hospital a safer and more caring place for all and will be implementing all 10 interventions over the next four years.
Intervention 1: clear and mutual expectations
Understanding how we're all expected to behave can make a big difference in a healthcare setting.
Patients can act certain ways because they're unsure about expectations and assumptions. This lack of clarity is especially tough for patients facing challenges like unclear thinking or strong emotions.
Clear and mutual expectations establishes shared expectations for behavior between staff and patients. When everyone knows what's expected, communication improves, stress lessens, and patients feel more supported.
In December 2023, KHSC engaged with staff and patients to create expectations that will be posted around our inpatient units to create a better and more supportive environment for everyone.
Family involvement
Family and support networks can be an important part of mental health treatment.
Family involvement varies for each patient and adult patients must provide consent for the team to share information with family. Please note that if permission is not given, the family can still provide information to the healthcare team to support treatment.
Family and close friends are permitted to visit; however, patients may refuse any visitor.
Children under 16 have a separate visiting area and cannot visit patients in the Intensive Observation Area.
Visiting Hours
Regular visiting hours are daily between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., but flexible arrangements may be made in certain situations.
Visiting restrictions may come into effect for unforeseen situations.
We’re here to provide support and care for patients and their families. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Phone
613-549-6666 ext. 6020
Location
Burr 4 Wing
Kingston General Hospital
76 Stuart St., Kingston ON
