Mediclinic Newcastle Mental Health
Mediclinic Newcastle Kintsugi Centre, Cnr Hospital & Bird Streets, Newcastle Central, Newcastle, 2940

What should patients bring when being admitted (e.g. comfortable shoes, towels, etc)?

In order to assist you with the preparation for admission, we recommend that you bring the following items with you:

  • Identification Document (ID) or Driver’s License
  • Medical Aid Card and details relating (including Main Member’s ID and authorisation or reference details from the medical aid, where applicable)
  • Birth certificate for patients under 16, without an ID card
  • Pen and notebook
  • Medication: please bring in ALL medication that you are taking, including herbal and chronic medication. If your chronic medication needs to be refilled, please arrange with a family member, prior to admission, to collect and deliver it to the nursing station. NO medication will be allowed to be kept at the bedside of the patient; medication will be dispensed by staff, as prescribed)
  • Comfortable and casual clothing (bring everyday wear that is appropriate for group settings, relaxation and light exercise activities)
  • Night Attire, comfortable slippers & dressing gown (for sleeping ONLY)
  • Warm clothing
  • Comfortable shoes for walking, yoga and exercise activities
  • Assisted devices such as glasses etc.
  • Toiletries (including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and hairbrush; take note that ALL sharp objects need to be handed to the Nursing Team. NO hair dye or straightening products are allowed).
  • If you would like to bring your own water bottle, no glass bottles are allowed.
  • Adapter for charging your mobile phone or electrical appliances 
  • While we discourage patients from bringing valuables with them (e.g., laptops, IPad, etc.), laptops are permitted, but gaming consoles and similar electronic or electric (fan, heater, kettle) devices are not allowed. 

Visiting Hours & visitation policy (summary, e.g. patient has to consent to which visitors allowed)

Weekdays: 15:00–16:00 and 17:00–18:00

Weekends & public holidays: 11:00–13:00 and 15:00–17:00.

Strict access control and visiting hours are upheld to protect patient privacy and safety.

Types of conditions managed

We provide care for a wide range of psychiatric and emotional health conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Burnout and stress-related conditions

We admit patients who are medically stable. The hospital is a voluntary facility and does not admit involuntary patients.

Admission/referral process

Referrals may be made by:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • General practitioners
  • Family members
  • Patients themselves

Referrals are directed to a psychiatrist, either directly or via the hospital. 

The general admission process includes: Two psychiatrists conduct assessments in patients’ rooms prior to admission.

Pre‑hospitalisation: patients are invited to visit 48 hours before scheduled admission to complete the pre‑admission process. Pre‑admission includes obtaining medical aid authorisation; forms can be completed online or downloaded and emailed.

Ages admitted

18 years and older.

Services offered

Patients benefit from a structured therapeutic programme supported by a multidisciplinary team; Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, therapy and medication management

  • Individual and group psychotherapy
  • Specialised psychiatric nursing care
  • Occupational therapy
  • Social work services
  • Structured group therapy
  • Projective and creative therapeutic activities
  • Relaxation therapy
  • Supervised exercise programmes
  • Women’s support group programmes (addressing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, body‑image and relationship difficulties)

Facilities – (e.g. patient wi-fi, gardens, design, exercise, laundry, recreational areas, etc)

  • 30‑bed unit (10 men, 20 women) with 5 private rooms and remaining beds in two‑bed shared rooms. Rooms have garden views and include Wi‑Fi, TV and en‑suite bathrooms
  • Observation room near nurses’ station for high‑risk patients
  • Communal dining hall with garden/fountain view
  • On‑site gym (with treating psychiatrist’s consent)
  • Arts & crafts room with books, board games and puzzles
  • Garden area and a relaxation room used for therapy
  • Laundry department available
  • Emphasis on pivacy/safety (strict access control) and a therapeutic environment
  • Scenic garden

Funding (types and med aid auth process)

Most major medical aids are accepted, although certain conditions may apply depending on the scheme or plan. Patients are encouraged to contact the hospital or medical aid in advance to confirm cover. 

The hospital assists with the authorisation process where required. Pre-authorisation is generally needed before admission.

Private-pay options are also available, and quotations can be provided on request.

Rules on smoking and substance use

Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated smoking areas and only for persons over the age of 18 years.This includes the use of e-cigarettes and any other smoking devices eg water pipes. 

The facility maintains a strict policy regarding alcohol, illegal substances, and unauthorised medication. These are not permitted on the premises. Searches may be conducted where necessary, and breaches of this policy may result in discharge. On admission, all medication must be handed in to the staff. Patients are not allowed to possess medication or alcohol while admitted. Staff will dispense medication to patients at prescribed times. Please note that blood, urine and breath tests may be conducted during hospitalisation if the use of prohibited substances is suspected, in line with the rules of the hospital.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful, and healing environment in which each patient can receive appropriate and compassionate care.To support a safe and therapeutic environment:

  • Patients are expected to follow hospital rules and treatment recommendations
  • Respect for staff, fellow patients, and visitors is essential
  • Violence, intimidation, theft, and disruptive behaviour are not tolerated
  • The hospital reserves the right of admission

Our aim is to provide a safe, respectful, and healing environment in which each patient can receive appropriate and compassionate care.