Adult Acute Unit (AAU)

What we do

AAU provides the least restrictive environment for people requiring inpatient treatment for their mental illness. The unit has an emphasis on comprehensive, coordinated and individualized care by utilising the skills of the multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses and social workers.

The AAU team has an approach to patients and carers that recognizes their unique physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions. AAU ensures continuity of care between inpatient and community settings. Staff work collaboratively with patients and their families, or carers in the treatment of mental disorder.

While most people prefer to be treated outside of hospital, and every effort is made to do so, an inpatient admission sometimes can be an important and necessary step towards recovery.

Who we care for

AAU provides intensive therapeutic treatment for people living in the Loddon Mallee region aged 16 to 65 years.

It is a short-term acute inpatient unit that provides Admission to an inpatient unit is sometimes necessary for people living with a mental illness. People can be admitted to hospital because: A person is changing medication and require close monitoring, symptoms are severe and they are having significant difficulty coping in their usual environment, a person’s health and/or safety is at risk, treatment options need to be explored in a supportive environment.

How to access this service

Referrals must be made to Mental Health Regional Triage Service 1300 363 788.(24 hours a day, 7 days per week).

Adult Acute Unit access video.

Commonly asked questions

What should I bring to hospital?

Medicare card, Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one) and please bring your private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it).

To assist with your treatment and care please bring any information on adverse drug alert card (if you have one), previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports and medicines you need to take while you are here along with a list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes). It is important that you include medicines you have bought without a prescription such as, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Don’t forget your glasses, hearing aid, walking frame, dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes. Bring your personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving cream, shaver, toothpaste and deodorant and something to do like a book, a magazine or an iPad/tablet with headphones (remember your chargers for any electronic equipment or phone).

Can I smoke?  

Bendigo Hospital is a smoke free hospital, we will support you by providing access to a Tobacco Treatment Specialist Nurse and Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Can I have visitors?

Yes, the Adult Acute Unit welcomes the support of family and carers and follows the Bendigo Hospital visiting hours.