Inpatient Care
Anei tātou nā ko te pō, anā tātou nā he rā ki tua
Here we are in the night, but day is on the way.
For those needing more intensive support, Ashburn provides inpatient treatment through referral from a health professional. Funding may be available through Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, ACC, or privately. All referrals are then discussed by our Admissions Team and assessed for suitability.
Pre-Admission Process
Before someone is considered for admission, Ashburn Clinic staff work with the referring clinician or funder to assess whether Ashburn is the right fit for their treatment. The pre-admission process can take some time, but once suitability is confirmed, an admission date will be offered through the referring clinician or funder.
As part of gathering information, the prospective patient will be contacted to discuss the purpose of the referral, their thoughts about visiting Ashburn, and any other relevant details. Senior clinical staff are also available to discuss admission plans and goals with the referring clinician, patient, and their whānau | family.
If treatment is being privately funded, Ashburn will speak directly with the prospective patient and their nominated whānau about the referral. Private referrals also require a clinical assessment and referral from a health professional.
Admission Day
Most admissions take place on a Monday or Tuesday.
- What to bring: Patients are asked to bring personal items from the recommended list.
- Travel arrangements: If the referral is through ACC or Health New Zealand, they will organise and fund travel (and an escort if required).
- Whānau support: Family or whānau are welcome to accompany the patient on arrival. However, staff will help the patient settle in, and it may be best for whānau to hand over care at that point, depending on the patient’s needs.
As patients progress and are able to sustain more self-responsibility, they move to Alexander House, which supports independent living with full access to the Democratic Therapeutic Community and programme. Acceptance to Alexander House is usually done as a transfer from the inpatient unit, but on some occasions, a direct admission may be considered.
What to Expect When You Arrive
On admission, you will be:
- Welcomed by the Reception staff.
- Seen by members of the clinical team.
- Shown to your private room.
We’ll also gather helpful information for treatment, including contact details for support people. You will also be required to sign a consent for treatment.
To help settle in, new patients are introduced to a ‘buddy’ – another community member who provides a tour of the facility, shares meals with them, and helps answer any questions.
The initial assessment phase typically lasts 6 weeks. At the end of this period, you will meet with your clinical team to discuss your ongoing treatment. This will include a second consent to treatment.