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Voluntary admission - do I still need it? If so, can I have a little more time to prepare?

GucciSquirrel
Community Member

Hi all,

Firstly, thank you for sharing all your experiences. I've found many of my questions about voluntary admission into a private psychiatric clinic have been answered in a number of previous threads, but I have a couple more.

For background, I have been off work for about 4 months due to my illness. I can't fit my entire medical history within a 2,500 character limit, but I was deemed unfit for work (and still am).

About 3 months ago, I was placed on a waiting list to go into a private psychiatric clinic for treatment, as I was in a really bad place at this time. Late last week, I was informed it was my turn to go in for admission and a date has been set (two days time at the time of writing), but as I feel like I've made some recovery, I wonder whether or not there's still justification for me to become an inpatient.

As suggested in a previous thread, I've made a list of goals that I'd like to achieve in order to get better. I've also read comments suggesting that being a voluntary patient in a private facility could be a great opportunity to work on getting better without any distractions.

Whilst my main concern is whether or not I should go in for voluntary admission as the worst has passed for me (for now), I have external commitments that I am unable to delegate on such short (two working days) notice.

Also, the clinic does not mention anything on its website relating to technology that may or may not be brought with patients. I am aware that the expectation is to fill my days with treatments and therapies, along with reading and/or artistic pursuits during downtime. However, my natural creativity manifests in written form, and I'm considerably more effective as a writer when using a PC rather than paper. I guess that's a question for the admissions staff.

I'm wondering if it would be appropriate (or even possible) for me to ask for my admission to be delayed for a few more days. I need at least three working days to make arrangements to ensure my financial commitments can be met without interruption. Doing this would allow me to focus 100% of my mental energy on recovery.

However, as above, my biggest concern is that I'll take a bed from away from someone that may need it more than I do right now. Whilst I'm not well enough to go back to work, I am improving and I am keen to get back as soon as I can. But I still need more help before I'm ready.

Apologies for the wall of text, but there's a bit I needed to cover off.

Thanks.

1 Reply 1

Nurse_Jenn
Community Member

Hi GucciSquirrel,

Great to hear that you have found some support on the forum. I understand your consideration for both others who are awaiting an admission as well as you work commitments. When you are a private patient you have more choices and I don't think it would be an issue to discuss you needs with the centre. While I was employed at a private facility we had many booked admissions and they would get delayed or postponed from time to time. Sometimes people recover while waiting to get in and some people worsen and require more emergent services. In your situation, I would recommend that you do what is right for you. Having a conversation with the admissions coordinator (or whatever role facilitates an admission) would be a great first step. You can then find out if you are able to use tablets or laptops during your down time at the centre.

As far as taking a bed from someone who needs it - it has always been in my opinion that the earlier the intervention, the better and faster the outcome. If you are comfortable going to the centre and have a recovery plan, this is a great first step towards achieving your wellness goals. So many times people leave treatment or therapy as a last resort due to a variety of factors (most often time) and then require a higher level, or longer level, of intervention. You might find that you only require a short stay in the facility once you get there. Or rather, you may find you are making great gains.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn