About the Hospital
DVA Patients
Coming to Hospital
Rivendell Clinic (Mental Health)
What Mental Health disorders are treated at the hospital?
The hospital provides treatment for most general psychiatric disorders, including:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Post-natal disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Psychotic disorders (without significant behavioural disturbances)
Can I have a private room in Rivendell Clinic?
Yes. All rooms in Rivendell Clinic are private rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Can I bring my own pillow and family photos if I am admitted to Rivendell Clinic?
Yes. Please bring these items, particularly if this will help you feel more comfortable. Please note the hospital takes no responsible for loss of or damage to personal belongings brought to hospital.
Can I drive myself to hospital if being admitted to Rivendell Clinic?
It's preferable you do not drive yourself to the hospital. We recommend that you arrange a family member or friend to drive you to the clinic as there are limited facilities for long term parking. The clinic's treating psychiatrist may recommend you don't drive during your stay.
Can I have visitors while I am in Rivendell Clinic?
Yes. Visitors are welcome. Visiting hours are 2-4.30 pm and 6-7.30 pm every day. While you may also have visitors outside of these visiting hours, we prefer you don't you have visitors during group program times.
Does Rivendell Clinic accept admissions after business hours?
Yes. Admissions times are flexible and can occur both within and outside of business hours including weekends. Rivendell Clinic doesn't cater for Emergency admissions.
Can I bring my mobile phone if I am being admitted to Rivendell Clinic?
Yes. You may bring your mobile phone with you however, it's important to turn your mobile off when participating in group activities and also from 10 pm in the evenings to avoid disturbing other patients. Each patient in Rivendell Clinic has their own bedside phone to make local, mobile, long distance (STD) and international (ISD) calls. While all local calls are free, patients are responsible for paying other call charges on discharge from the hospital.
What happens during the day in Rivendell Clinic?
During your stay, you'll be encouraged to participate in diversional therapy groups and group therapy sessions. These are an important component of the program and provide an opportunity for you to explore your emotional and behavioural patterns while learning about your disorder.
In addition, during your stay, you'll also:
- Undergo a physical examination by the medical officer
- Be reviewed weekly by the consultant psychiatrist
- Receive regular one-on-one counselling with nursing staff
- Be prescribed medications to treat symptoms if required
What is Rivendell Clinic?
Rivendell Clinic is a six bed unit within North West Private Hospital. It provides specialised psychiatric and psychological assessment and intervention for patients over 16 years of age.
Will my private health insurance cover fees relating to my stay in Rivendell Clinic?
This depends on your individual level of cover and your health insurance provider. Prior to admission, the assessment co-ordinator will arrange a fund check with your health insurer, to obtain information of any potential costs to be paid on your behalf. They will you contact you to advise of the estimated out of pocket expenses.
How long will I need to be in Rivendell Clinic?
The length of your stay is based on your individual needs and determined in consultation with your treating psychiatrist. The average duration of stay at Rivendell Clinic is three weeks.
Once admitted to Rivendell Clinic, can I leave at my own free will or must my discharge be authorised by my psychiatrist?
Rivendell Clinic only accepts voluntary patients. The clinic has a 'No Leave' policy in the first 24 hours of admission. If you are well enough, you may be allowed a few hours day leave on the weekends. You may be offered overnight trial leave the weekend prior to your planned discharge.
Do I need a referral to be admitted to Rivendell Clinic?
Yes. A referral is required from your treating general practitioner unless you're under the care of a private psychiatrist. You'll then need to obtain a letter of referral from your psychiatrist.
How do I access mental health services at the hospital?
A letter of referral from your doctor will be required. Our psychiatric nurse will do an over the phone assessment and obtain your health fund details. Following assessment and a health fund check, our nurse will discuss your case with the clinic's accredited psychiatrist. Following approval for admission, we will contact you to arrange assessment and admission.
What do I need to bring into hospital if I am being admitted to the Rivendell Clinic?
You'll need to bring:
- Letter of referral
- All current prescription medications and any repeat scripts
- Medicare and/or private health insurance cards
- Casual comfortable day clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Clothing and footwear suitable for exercise and walks
- Nightwear
- Personal toiletries
- Books, magazines, jigsaw puzzles, craft and hobby materials
Prior to your admission, our staff will advise you of any additional items you should bring with you.
North West Medical Centre