Patient safety is our priority. Our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Continue to attend all appointments on the day of the strike unless we have contacted you to reschedule.
While the unit is an open ward, there are times when it may be locked. Talk to a staff member if you wish to leave when the doors are locked.
What to expect on admission
When you arrive at the unit, staff will explain the admission process to you. They will:
help you identify the reasons for your admission — you may chose to have whānau included in the discussion
give you a tour of the unit and introduce you to key staff and other patients
tell you about the ward routine and the activity programme
show you to your room
ask you for permission to search your bags to check for any items that pose a risk, including medications.
It is very important you give staff any medications you or your whānau have bought from home — this includes both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
You will not be able to carry lighters and matches. These will be kept with your personal property and returned to you when you are discharged.
Physical examination
Within the first 24 hours of your admission, you will be invited to have a full physical examination. This may include diagnostic tests such as blood and urine tests, and taking your blood pressure. This is to ensure that you do not have a physical illness that may affect your mental wellbeing.