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What we do
The Adult Acute Unit (AAU) provides short-term inpatient support for adults who need extra help with their mental health and wellbeing. Care is delivered in the least restrictive environment possible and focuses on safety, recovery and meeting each person's individual needs.
The AAU team offers individualised treatment, drawing on the skills of a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and other health professionals.
We recognise that each person has unique physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs. Care is planned in partnership with the person, and where appropriate, their families or carers. Strong connections between inpatient and community services help ensure a smooth transition before, during and after an inpatient stay.
While most people prefer to receive care outside of hospital, there are times when a short inpatient stay can provide the extra support needed to move toward recovery.
Who we care for
The Adult Acute Unit (AAU) provides intensive therapeutic treatment for adults aged 16 to 65 years who live in the Loddon Mallee region.
Inpatient care is sometimes necessary for people living with a mental illness when their needs cannot be safely or effectively met at home or in the community. People may be admitted to the AAU in situations such as:
- Medication changes: when close monitoring is needed to ensure treatment is safe and effective.
- Severe symptoms: when symptoms make it difficult to cope with everyday life or usual routines.
- Health or safety concerns: when a person's wellbeing or safety is at risk and a supportive environment is required.
- Access to treatment options: when people need to explore treatment and recovery options with the support of a safe, structured and therapeutic setting.
Admission to the AAU is short-term and focused on recovery, stabilisation and planning for a smooth transition back to the community. The team works closely with each person, and where appropriate their families or carers, to ensure care is tailored to individual needs and supports ongoing wellbeing.
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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.
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Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
