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What we do
The Adult Acute Unit (AAU) provides short-term inpatient mental health treatment and support for people who need additional care during a difficult time.
Our team works alongside each person to provide individualised care that supports their safety, wellbeing and recovery, while respecting their rights, choices and personal experiences.
Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, alcohol and other drug clinicians, and peer support workers who draw on their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery.
During an admission, we work with each person to understand what matters to them, recognise their strengths and develop a treatment and recovery plan that reflects their individual needs and goals. This may include medication, therapeutic activities, physical health care, coping and safety planning, and support with everyday wellbeing.
We recognise the importance of relationships, culture, identity and personal circumstances in each person's recovery. Families, carers and other important supports are included in care planning where appropriate and in accordance with the person's wishes and rights.
Planning for discharge begins during admission, with connections to community services and supports helping people continue their recovery beyond hospital.
Who we care for
The Adult Acute Unit (AAU) provides short-term, intensive mental health treatment and support for people aged 16 to 65 years living in the Loddon Mallee region.
While mental health care is provided in the community wherever possible, there may be times when a person needs additional support that cannot be safely or effectively provided at home or in their usual environment.
An admission to the AAU may be considered when someone:
- Needs closer support with treatment: Such as when medication changes or other treatments require additional monitoring and care.
- Is experiencing significant mental health challenges: When their experiences are making everyday life difficult and more intensive support may be helpful.
- Has concerns about their safety or wellbeing: When a supportive inpatient environment may help them feel safer and access the care they need.
- Would benefit from intensive therapeutic support: Including opportunities to explore coping strategies, strengthen existing supports and work towards personal recovery goals.
Each person's circumstances and support needs are considered individually when determining whether inpatient care is appropriate.
Throughout admission, people are encouraged to participate in decisions about their care, share what is important to them and work with their treating team to plan for their return to the community.
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Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
Phone
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- Our Services
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- Adult Acute Unit (AAU)
How to refer your patient
Referrals must be made to Mental Health Regional Triage Service 1300 363 788.
It provides 24-hour access to mental health services across the region and is thesingle point of initial contact.
Any recent presentation/concerns and any new findings and recent medical investigations (Pathology, neurological testing/reports, Histology and Medical Imaging).
A list of current medications (if prescribed), relevant patient history, relevant family history, any other information pertinent and that may assist in decision making with patient, family/carer about their care and treatment.
Clinical service overview
The AAU has two distinct areas, the low dependency unit (LDU), which is for acutely unwell patients who need hospitalisation and can be treated in the least restrictive environment. The other being the Intensive Care Area (ICA). ICA is utilised during the acute phase of an illness when a patient may need a safe and secure environment that provides more intense support and treatment.
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. People can be admitted to hospital because: They are changing medication and require close monitoring, their symptoms are severe and they are having significant difficulty coping in their usual environment. An admission may also be necessary because of their health and/or safety is at risk and/or treatment options need to be explored in a supportive environment.
Treatment in the inpatient unit will be developed collaboratively, utilising a multidisciplinary team approach, engaging the patient and family/carers to ensure that biological, psychological and social care is delivered to promote individualized recovery pathways and improved outcomes for patients.
Resources View All Health Professional Resources
Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
