Psychiatry patient care

1. In-patient admission

• Admissions to the hospital can be done on a voluntary or involuntary basis as per mental health laws and regulations of the country
• The duration of stay can vary depending on an individual patient’s need. Please clarify from your treating doctor the approximate length of your stay
• In-patient admission to psychiatry wards are done only when another relative/ family member or a close confidant is available to stay with the patient around the clock. In some wards (for example in the female wards, exclusively female bystanders are a must). This is hospital policy and is non-negotiable for safety and security reasons
• Once you/ your relative’s treating doctor decides to admit you, you will be sent to the admission counter to provide details and for payment
• After this you will be accompanied by an attender to the ward / room that you have chosen
• You will be received by the nursing staff who will also explain to you the rules and regulations of the hospital and the visit times of the doctors, therapists and residents.

2. Hospital Stay

• A team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers and psychiatric nurses will take care of you when you are admitted.
• The consulting psychiatrist treating will see you on Consultant Rounds.
• You will be seen by a junior resident and a senior resident on a daily basis. Any clarifications can be held with the nursing staff or the junior resident. The Senior resident directly supervises the junior resident. The Consultant is aware of all your details through the residents. Junior and Senior Residents will be appraising the patient’s progress to your consulting doctor on a regular basis.
• Required therapists and counsellors will also be seeing you if required on a daily basis. Check with your treating team of their timings of visit
• You may also be referred to various other departments and therapies depending on your need. Your treating doctor will usually refer you to them and you will be given appointments. Please be at the therapists room/ office at the designated time to prevent cancellation of appointments

3. Discharge process

a. The discharge date is intimated by the treating doctor well in advance. Be sure to prepare yourself for discharge and clarify all you need with the resident

b. You/ your relative will be given a discharge summary from the hospital with all your treatment details. At the same time you will be prescribed medications and will be given a follow up date that coincides with the treating team’s follow up schedule (as explained above)

c. Any other therapies that require follow up on an out-patient basis will be intimated to you by the respective therapist. You need to follow up with them separately and that is not the same as following up with your treating doctor.