Frequently Asked Questions
Admission
If you are admitted to the hospital, please remember to bring the following:
- Documentation:
- Identification card showing your name, address and date of birth
- Health Card
- Supplemental insurance information (if applicable) including the insurance company name, policy & certificate number, and the name, birthdate & employer of the insured member.
- Personal items:
- Pyjamas, bathrobe, slippers that do not slide
- Reading material
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, facial tissues, shaving supplies, shampoo and body/hand lotion. These items are not supplied by the hospital and are available for purchase at the Gift Shop or Pharmacy.
- All medications you are currently taking.
- Small amount of cash, credit card, or cheque.
- Other (if applicable):
- Hearing aid with extra batteries, or other necessary assistance devices.
- Personal glucometer if you are diabetic.
- Comfortable casual clothes for therapy (i.e. tracksuit, shorts, t-shirt) and running or supportive shoes, bathing suit for pool therapy
- Dressing aids you may need.
- Technological Device:
- Use of a smartphone, tablet, or other device is limited on the inpatient unit.
- Patients may use their device as per inpatient unit guidelines and are encouraged to limit use while participating in treatment and activities.
- Personal devices are restricted after 9:00 pm in consideration of other patients.
- Important:
- The hospital cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- We advise that you do not bring large amounts of cash, jewellery or other valuables.
- Due to interference with equipment, please check with your team coordinator to see if personal mobile phones and laptops can be used in specific areas of the hospital.
- Electrical items such as hair dryers and curling irons must pass inspection prior to use in the hospital.
What does the healthcare team in the inpatient unit look like?
The inpatient unit has a team of mental healthcare professionals with extensive experience working with youths, adults, and their families. We work collaboratively and provide compassionate patient-centred care.
- Patients can expect to meet our team members which include:
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Psychiatrist
- Recreation Therapist
- Social workers
- Other healthcare professionals based on your needs.
Planning for your discharge
How can I prepare for my discharge?
- Discharge time from the inpatient unit is usually at 11:00am.
- Ensure that you have:
- All of your belongings.
- Your prescriptions and after care instructions: You should understand your medication and details about follow-up appointments (e.g. be sure to ask where your follow-up appointments will be).
- If you are unsure, ask a member of your healthcare team.
If I do not have someone to pick me up, what can I do?
- You can talk to someone on your healthcare team, they will help you arrange transportation for the day you will be leaving the hospital.
Who can I call if I have any questions once I have left the inpatient unit?
- Your healthcare team will provide you with contact information.
How to support a loved one with depression
The support of family and friends can play an important role in the recovery of an individual with depression.There are different ways to provide support to a friend or family member. You can help by learning about depression and how to talk about it. You can also encourage your loved one to seek help from a health professional. You can also help them engage in their treatment and therapy (for example, go for walks or exercise together to encourage physical activity). It is also important to remember to engage in your own self-care, support your own mental health, and reach out for help when you need it.
If you need help in an emergency, please call 911 or visit your local emergency department. If you’re feeling like you’re in crisis or need somebody to talk to, please know that help is also available through community resources.
Crisis support resources
Find local resources at sunnybrook.ca/gethelp
- Phone: 24-hour, toll-free 1-833-456-4566
- Text: 45645 (4:00 p.m. – midnight Eastern Time)
- Phone: 24-hour, toll-free, 1-800-668-6868
- Text: 686868 (24 hours, 7 days a week)