Information for Family Members
If your friend or family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, suggest one of the following
- call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department.
- call Here 24 Seven anytime at 1-844-437-3247 or TTY 1-877-688-5501 for immediate assistance
To access mental health and addiction services in the community
- call Here 24 Seven anytime at 1-844-437-3247 or TTY 1-877-688-5501. Here 24 Seven provides crisis assessment, intake, and referrals 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
For Youths and Children’s Mental Health Services
- call Front Door at 519-749-2932 during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- outside of business hours you canreach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for immediate help.
If you have questions about mental health and addiction services at CMH, please email using the form at the bottom of the page.
***Due to the recent pandemic, visiting hours/procedures can change -- visit the visitor guide section of this site for up-to-date visiting information***
Visits from family and friends are an important part of a patient’s recovery and treatment. If you were discharged from the Inpatient Mental Health Unit within the last six months, you will be asked to refrain from visiting. Please use the information below to help make your visit easier.
When planning your visit, avoid individual and group therapy times, which occur Monday to Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Therapy is an important part of a patient’s treatment and they will not be available during these times. Please also follow these guidelines:
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell, especially if you have a fever and a cough.
- Children under 16 years of age are not permitted on the unit. Individual requests will be reviewed by the healthcare team.
- Visitors are encouraged to leave the hospital by 8:00 p.m. Care Partners may request more time, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the health care team.
- Visiting is only permitted in the lounge area. If you bring clothes for a patient, please limit to three changes of clothing.
- Patients discharged from the Mental Health Unit within the last six (6) months are requested to refrain from visiting the unit.
To ensure everyone’s safety and privacy:
- The doors to the Inpatient Mental Health Unit are secured. When you arrive, use the buzzer located outside the unit’s doors to speak with staff. They will let you in after you identify yourself and provide your relationship to the patient.
- At each visit, you will sign in at the nursing station and review the list of items that are not allowed on the unit.
- Your belongings may be inspected.
- Recording video, taking photos and recording audio is not permitted on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit or any public space within the hospital.
To ensure your loved one's privacy staff will not release any personal or health information to you without their consent. Patients will be given a Privacy Code on admission that they may share with family/friends. The nurse will ask for this privacy code prior to sharing any information regarding the patient.
Feel free to call us at 519-621-2330 extension 5210 to speak with nursing staff regarding any privacy concerns that you might have.
***Due to the recent pandemic, this series is on hold***
Click here to find out more information about Mental Health Family Education Series/Young Adult Family Night
Topics:
- Current Knowledge about Mental Health Issues
- Understanding & Coping with Mental Health Issues
- Communication and Boundary Setting
- Treatment Options
- Substance Use
- Legal Issues
- Community Resources
- Supporting Recovery
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Youth Needs & Resources
Become a Mental Health Family Advisor and help make a difference
Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) Mental Health program is currently accepting applications for Family Advisors. The goal of the advisor is to provide a family member perspective to CMH decision making processes and services. Advisors will make recommendations that will influence and support CMH’s goal to provide an exceptional experience for patients and their families. If you want to make a difference in the way health care is delivered, this volunteer position might be the opportunity for you.
Do I qualify to become an advisor?
Advisors are family members who have experienced the mental health system in caring for their loved one within Cambridge. They are reliable, committed and believe their time investment will help make a difference. They are able to see beyond their own family member’s experiences and show concern for more than one issue or agenda. They are comfortable sharing their views, are great listeners and respect the privacy of others. As someone who easily works with others, the advisor is committed to improving care for patients and their families. If this sounds like you, please complete the on-line application.
What kind of influence will the advisor have?
Advisors have a lot of influence. They are part of a Family Advisory Council (FAC) that reports to the Director of Mental Health Services. A representative of the FAC will sit on the mental health Quality and Operations Committee. If you want to make a difference in the way health care is delivered, please complete the on-line application form.
What kind of responsibilities will an advisor have?
The advisor will ensure the patient and family experience is reflected in all CMH services and policies. As a person committed to patient centered care and continuous improvement, members will:
- Be ambassadors and champions for CMH in the community
- Link every effort to fostering and delivering a higher quality patient care delivery model
- Promote systemic change that embraces Recovery principles
- Provide feedback on the patient experience reports
- Participate as partners in the planning and operations of mental health program
- Attend orientation session(s)
- Attend scheduled meetings. Review relevant materials prior to meetings and participate actively in discussions
- Have a representative to attend Mental Health Quality and Operation meeting(s)
- Respond to requests for Family Advisors to participate on committees, task forces, working groups as requested
- Be willing to provide feedback on family experiences and to identify areas for development in family centered care
- Share personal experiences in ways that others can learn from them
- Maintain confidentiality when requested
- Invite different viewpoints
What is the time commitment?
Meetings will be held monthly or at the call of the chair. The council may determine to not meet during certain periods of the year (e.g., summer). Meetings will be approximately two hours in length. Sometimes, you may be asked to participate in an activity or special project, to help support the Family Advisory Committee. At a minimum, you will likely volunteer about 4 hours per month. Once accepted, the membership term is two years, renewable for a maximum of 3 terms (6 years).
How do I apply?
It’s Easy! Please complete the on-line application form.
How do I get more information?
Call 519-621-2333 ext. 2235
***Due to the recent pandemic, this group is on hold ***
Cambridge Memorial Hospital offers a monthly support group for friends and family supporting individuals living with mental health issues. It’s free and no registration is required.
Click here for a printable copy of the poster.