What to Expect
An inpatient stay on an acute mental health unit is designed to provide intensive, short-term care and support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. During your stay, you'll receive 24/7 supervision and treatment from a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and recreation therapists. The focus is on stabilization, safety, and symptom management, with individualized care plans tailored to your needs.
Expect a structured environment with regular check-ins, therapeutic activities, and group sessions aimed at helping you understand your mental health, develop coping strategies, and begin the recovery process. You will be encouraged to participate in your treatment and work toward regaining a sense of control over your well-being.
Family involvement, when appropriate, may also play a role in your recovery. The goal of your stay is to stabilize your mental health, address any immediate concerns, and prepare for the next steps in your ongoing care, whether that involves outpatient therapy, community support, or further treatment.
Arrival and Safety Protocols
Upon arrival, both patients and visitors will undergo a search to ensure the safety of the unit. Our policies, “Searching Patients and/or Their Belongings” and “Safekeeping of Patient Valuables and Personal Property” are followed by staff.
If you are on an involuntary admission, you will likely arrive to the unit in a hospital gown. Once you meet with your psychiatrist, they will assess whether it is appropriate for you to wear your own clothing.
LHSC discourages you from bringing personal property and valuables that are not required for admission/visit to the hospital to minimize the risk of loss or damage. You are encouraged to send non-essential items home when possible.
For personal property or contraband that cannot be sent home with care partners, your belongings will be stored in our designated Patient Belongings area. Belongings will be labeled and documented in your Electronic Health Record. This includes items such as (e.g., razors, lighters, nail clippers, medications, etc.)
Valuables and/or money are sealed in a Patient Valuables Envelope or Valuables bag and taken to the Business Office by a Security Guard or Orderly.
Business Offices are open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please ask our Front Desk Orderly or Security to support you with collecting your valuables from the Business Office upon discharge.
Prohibited Items:
To maintain a safe and secure environment, the following items are not allowed on the unit:
- Alcohol, illicit substances, and drug paraphernalia
- Solvents/toxic substances
- Glass, sharp objects (e.g., picture frames, knives)
- Cologne/perfume
- Reinforced footwear (e.g., steel-toed shoes)
- Pornographic materials
- Hair straighteners, hair dryers
- Firearms and ammunition (real or imitation)
Your Team
During your stay, you may interact with the various healthcare professionals. For more information about your inpatient healthcare team, visit the Your Team page.
Unit Guidelines
Mealtimes and Dietary Needs
- Breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:00 p.m.
- Snack Times: Posted daily
Menus are provided during breakfast, and selections must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. If you have specific dietary needs or restrictions, please inform your nurse.
Laundry Services
Laundry can be done while supervised by a staff member. If you would like to do your laundry, connect with your nurse so this can be arranged.
Use of Electronic Devices
Personal electronic devices (cellphones, etc.) are allowed but must be used respectfully, considering the privacy of others. Cellphones and other electronic devices may be removed if used inappropriately.
Charging cords should be no longer than nine (9) inches. If your cord exceeds this length, please inform the staff.
Smoking and Fragrance-Free Policies
- Smoking: By law, LHSC is a smoke-free facility, including all hospital property
- Fragrance-Free Environment: Please avoid using scented products. Scented products, such as perfumes, lotions or body wash, will not be permitted on the unit.
For more information about these policies, please visit the Visitor Guidelines page.
Patient Structured Days
Active participation in your recovery is essential. Group programming is available daily, and participation is expected when patients are able.
Group sessions have many benefits. These include:
- learning helpful skills and knowledge,
- recognizing that others are struggling with similar difficulties,
- receiving support; having opportunities to express yourself, and
- increasing fun and enjoyment.
- Patients generally report having a much better experience on B7 if they attend groups regularly.
Sessions include:
- Psychosocial education
- Addiction support
- Coping skills
- Mindfulness
- Recreational activities (outdoor walks, karaoke, art)
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy skills
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills
- Peer Support operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Group schedules are posted on the whiteboards located on the units. Some groups require referrals, so ask your nurse about this process.
Visiting Hours
Visits from family are encouraged to aid in your recovery.
Visiting hours are:
- Weekdays (Monday – Friday): 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Weekends and Holidays: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Special visiting requests outside of these hours can be discussed with your healthcare team.
Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit Specific Visiting Hours
Maximum two visitors per patient (up to four total at any time, 16 years or older).
Contact Information:
Main Telephone Line: 519-685-8500
Nursing Station Phone Extensions
- B7-100 Extension: 75885
- B7-200/SCU Extension: 75880
- B7-200/SCU Extension: 75880
Area Manager Contact:
- B7-100 Extension: 77624
- B7-200, PICU, SCU Extension: 65151
