UNIT The Acute Unit is a 30 bed locked inpatient unit which treats patients with acute psychiatric problems. The goals are accurate assessment and diagnosis, and a short term treatment plan designed to alleviate acute psychopathologic symptoms so that patients can return to the community or move to a less intensive setting safely.
All patients undergo a medical clearance before admission.
Once admitted to the unit they are seen by an RN who completes a nursing assessment and develops a nursing plan of care. An interdisciplinary treatment team evaluates the patient within 24 hours and implements a treatment plan. About half of the patients are admitted for detoxification from alcohol or drug abuse. These patients are monitored closely, particularly since many have other psychiatric or medical diagnoses. Nursing staff are very skilled in monitoring the need for appropriate medications and ensuring the patient's safety.