Hospital Care

Most people can be successfully treated while they continue to live at home. Sometimes this is not possible and it is very helpful to spend a short time in hospital.

The two main reasons why someone might need to go to hopistal are:

• to make sure the young person is safe, and
• to provide intensive treatment to reduce their level of distress.

Orygen Youth Health Clinical Program utilises two different hospital units, and the decision determining which unit a young person will be admitted to depends upon age, illness and bed availability.

The units are located in 35 Mavis St, Footscray, on the Western Hospital site. These hospitals are for mental health care and clients may have to go to another hospital if physical medical care is needed.

Hospital care focuses on getting people better and home as soon as possible, and encourages young people and families to be involved in this process. The inpatient units have facilities to make young people feel as comfortable as possible. For example, there’s table tennis, board games, sports equipment, TV and books. All meals are provided, and special diets are catered for.

There are direct phone lines and flexible visiting hours help family and friends to stay in contact and importantly, there are interpreters available for anyone who might need them.

Prior to leaving hospital there is usually a discharge meeting to discuss any issues about the young person’s ongoing treatment and recovery. This meeting involves the young person, carers, the treating team and any other relevant workers.

The unit is located in 35 Mavis St, Footscray, on the Western Hospital site. Telephone 03 8345 7550/1.