Patient Information: Inpatient Mental Health Unit
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department.
- If you are in crisis and wish to talk to someone, call Here 24/7 anytime at 1-844-437-3247 or TTY 1-877-688-5501.
- To access mental health and addiction services in the community, call 1-844-437-3247 at Here 24/7 for crisis assessment, intake, and referrals 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
For youths and children’s mental health services, please call Front Door at 519-749-2932 during business hours. Outside of business hours you could reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for immediate help. Learn more about mental health and addiction services at CMH by looking through this page and emailing us using the form at the bottom.
Emergency Department
When you arrive in the Emergency Department, you will be seen by an emergency triage nurse who will assess you to determine the reason of your visit. The nurse may suggest a Psychiatric Assessment and Admission Nurse (PAAN) to assess you.
PAAN will complete a mental health crisis assessment and will consult with emergency department physicians and the psychiatrist on-call for recommendations and disposition. You may be admitted or offered treatment/follow-up care.
The Inpatient Mental Health Unit is a 25-bed, short stay unit for acutely ill adult patients, 18 years and older. It is a secured unit consisting of 20 beds in the main unit, and 5 beds in our Psychiatric Care Unit (PCU) for patients needing more intense treatment and observation. We provide treatment in a very structured environment, including group therapy on the unit during the week. Fresh air breaks are offered multiple times a day on the unit's dedicated terrace. These outdoor breaks are accompanied by staff and available for patients when physician assessments deem it safe.
We encourage that you bring minimum personal belongings. CMH does not take responsibility of any lost or stolen items (please see section of regarding safety and personal belongings and valuables). Please leave valuables at home when possible.
Nursing staff do regular safety checks to ensure that no prohibited items are on the unit. Upon admission you will get an admission package and your nurse will review the information with you. Information will include groups offered on the unit, visiting guidelines, privacy, fresh air breaks, and safety.
The Inpatient Mental Health unit is located on the 3rd floor in the A wing. Feel free to call 519-621-2330 extension 5210 to speak with a nursing staff member.
Privacy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality.
Upon admission to the unit, you will be given a Privacy Code. This code is for you to share with only the people who you consent to staff sharing information with. Family and friends will be asked for this code by staff prior to sharing any information
We will only disclose your personal health information to third party agencies with your consent. Some examples include Insurance Companies, Lawyers, Police. We will disclose your personal health information for mandatory purposes without your consent only when deemed necessary.
You may withdraw or withhold your consent at any time. Please tell us when you do not want us to share/disclose your personal health information. We will comply with your request, unless we are required by law to disclose your information or to prevent a risk of serious harm to your treatment.
Safety
The inpatient unit is a non-smoking, locked unit with a controlled environment. Staff monitors all property brought onto the unit. The clinical team conducts regular safety checks.
Standard safety checks of belongings and/or person will begin during the Mental Health admission process in Emergency Department (ED) and then again when admitted to the Inpatient unit. A list of items prohibited on the unit will be given to you on admission. Safety checks may occur anytime as deemed necessary by the health care team in order to maintain a therapeutic environment.
Please review the list of monitored and prohibited items in your admission package. Be an active partner in your treatment, by supporting a safe and caring environment for all patients.
Meals
All meals are served in the dining room. Your diet will be ordered on admission by the physician so please communicate with the inpatient staff if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Personal Belongings and Valuables
When admitted to the Inpatient Unit, staff will examine your belongings, including any items in your clothing. Please note there is limited space for personal belongings. Staff can help you and your visitors decide which items are needed. All items and any valuables that are not permitted on the unit will be sent home or locked up until discharge.
Basic hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc. are available on the unit. Please leave your valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Smoking
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not allowed on hospital property. Alternatives to smoking can be discussed with your nurse. There are multiple fresh air breaks on the terrace throughout the day, however smoking is not permitted.
Visiting
***Due to the recent pandemic, visiting hours and procedures may change without notice. Please refer to visitor page for up-to-date visiting information***
Visiting times should be discussed with the care team in advance . Group Therapy runs every weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are strongly encouraged not to visit during these times, including after 8:00 p.m.