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- Parent Infant Unit (PIU)
Who are we
The Parent Infant Unit (PIU) is a five-bed specialist inpatient service located within Bendigo Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services at Bendigo Hospital.
The unit provides a supportive environment where parents and primary caregivers can receive mental health and wellbeing care and treatment while remaining together with their infant.
Each room includes a double bed, cot or bassinet and a private bathroom, allowing parents and infants to stay together throughout their admission.
What we do
The Parent Infant Unit provides specialist mental health and wellbeing assessment, treatment and support during pregnancy and early parenthood.
We work alongside parents and primary caregivers to support their mental health and wellbeing, strengthen their relationship with their infant and build confidence in their parenting journey.
Care and treatment are tailored to each person's individual needs, preferences and recovery goals. Our multidisciplinary team provides individual and group therapeutic programs, medication management and support with parent-infant relationships.
Therapeutic activities may include Circle of Security, mindfulness, sensory modulation and other programs designed to support emotional wellbeing, recovery and connection between parents and infants.
We recognise the importance of family relationships and encourage partners and other supporters to participate in care and therapeutic activities where appropriate.
Who we care for
The Parent Infant Unit provides specialist mental health and wellbeing assessment, treatment and support during pregnancy and early parenthood.
We work alongside parents and primary caregivers to support their mental health and wellbeing, strengthen their relationship with their infant and build confidence in their parenting journey.
Care and treatment are tailored to each person's individual needs, preferences and recovery goals. Our multidisciplinary team provides individual and group therapeutic programs, medication management and support with parent-infant relationships.
Therapeutic activities may include Circle of Security, mindfulness, sensory modulation and other programs designed to support emotional wellbeing, recovery and connection between parents and infants.
We recognise the importance of family relationships and encourage partners and other supporters to participate in care and therapeutic activities where appropriate.
How to access this service
You can seek support for yourself or someone you are concerned about by contacting the Mental Health and Wellbeing Regional Triage Service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Regional Triage Service: 1300 363 788
Healthcare professionals can also refer people to the Parent Infant Unit by completing the referral form and submitting it through Mental Health and Wellbeing Regional Triage.
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Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
Phone
- Home
- Our Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Parent Infant Unit (PIU)
How to refer your patient
For all external referrals please complete the PIU referral form and email/fax to triage.
Clinical service overview
The Parent Infant Unit (PIU) is a 5-bed mental health inpatient unit open to admissions of primary caregivers in their third trimester of pregnancy, or who have an infant under 12 months of age (provided the infant is not yet walking).
An admission to PIU will be considered where there is a diagnosed mental illness, or a risk of developing a mental illness, particularly where attachment is impacted.
The unit offers comprehensive mental health assessment and short-term treatment, while also supporting and strengthening the bond between caregiver and infant using an attachment based, trauma informed approach.
Patients may be voluntary or compulsory under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 provided risk to themselves, or the infant can be safely managed in the ward environment. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis at time of referral. If on assessment, the caregiver presents a significant risk to themselves, their infant or other infants on the ward, an admission to the Adult Acute Unit (AAU) may be required prior to a PIU admission.
Please note that PIU does not provide infant sleep training. Many factors influence infant sleep, including a parent’s wellbeing. During admission, we focus on supporting the parent’s mental health and overall recovery, and this often leads to improvements in their baby’s sleep. If, after this support, infant sleep concerns still require further intervention, we can facilitate a referral to the Early Parenting Centre (EPC) upon completion of the PIU admission.
Resources View All Health Professional Resources
303.83 KB
Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
