Psych Ward

A closed ward — sometimes called a locked, acute, or secure psychiatric unit — is designed for patients who are in an acute mental health crisis and require constant supervision for safety. The main goal of this ward is stabilization: keeping patients safe while managing severe symptoms through close monitoring, medication, and structured care. Patients in closed wards are often experiencing severe distress, disorientation, or behavioral issues that make it unsafe for them to be in an open environment. They might be at risk of self-harm, suicide, or aggression, or might not recognize that they need treatment and try to leave prematurely. The doors are locked, and entry or exit is strictly controlled by staff. Patients cannot leave the unit without permission. Visitors usually have to sign in, and visits may take place under supervision or during specific hours. There are restrictions on personal belongings — items that could be used for self-harm (like belts, shoelaces, glass objects, or certain electronics) and smartphones are not allowed. The physical environment is typically safe and simplified: windows may be reinforced, furniture is designed to prevent injury, and there are fewer potential hazards. Restrain & fixation beds will be used against the patient's will if the patient is out of control. Some wards have constant staff supervision and occasionally camera monitoring (in public areas, not patient rooms).

An open ward is meant for patients who are stable enough to manage greater independence and benefit from a therapeutic, community-oriented environment. It’s often a step-down unit following treatment in a closed ward, or the first stop for voluntary admissions. The emphasis here is on rehabilitation, therapy, and preparation for reintegration into everyday life. The ward is unlocked, allowing patients to move around more freely. They can often go outside or into hospital grounds, sometimes with permission or under a sign-out system. There are more common rooms & activity spaces. Patients usually keep personal items and may have access to phones during certain times. Restrain & fixation beds may also be used in emergencies.

A psychiatric trauma ward is a specialized inpatient unit that focuses on stabilizing, treating, and supporting individuals with trauma-related mental health conditions. These wards are grounded in trauma-informed care, which means the staff recognize that many behaviors or symptoms are responses to past traumata. The environment of a trauma ward is intentionally different from a typical closed psychiatric ward. It’s designed to feel safe, predictable, and non-threatening, because unpredictability can trigger trauma symptoms.

7:00 - 8:00 is the morning routine (like taking care of the hygiene, making the bed & for patients with eating disorders is the duty to get weight on a scale each Tuesday). 8:00 - 8:15 is the morning meeting (Group check-in led by staff. Patients share their mood, goals for the day, and any problems. Staff may outline the day’s schedule). 8:15 - 9:00 is breakfast and most patients receive their medication. 9:00 - 12:00 are therapeutic activities that the patients attend according to their schedule. 12:00 - 12:30 is lunch time (patients with eating disorders may have more time for lunch) 13:00 - 14:00 have the nurses conference & shift change were the patients usually stay at their room if they don't have therapy to attend. 13:00 - 15:00 are afternoon therapy blocks. 15:00 - 15:30 is coffee break (patients may eat fruits, cookies & have to drink at least one full glass of water). 16:00 - 18:00 is free time (on wednesdays or fridays are visiting hours from 16:00 to 18:30 for family or friends of the patient; the open ward may go with the patients on excursions on some days). 18:00 - 18:30 is dinner (patients who have visitors on wednesday or friday don't have to attend dinner if they go eat with their visitors; patients who had visitors need to be back at the ward at 18:30). 18:30 - 21:00 is evening program & free time. 21:00 stay the patients at their rooms & receive their night medication. 22:00 is bedtime.

During Weekend, patients of the open ward can go home on Saturday at 10:00 and have to return to the ward on Sunday at least 19:00. patients of the closed ward & psychiatric trauma ward might stay at the ward during weekend.

Patients of the open ward may stay there for 6 weeks up to 3 months at the ward. Patients of the closed ward may stay one day, one week or 3 weeks at the ward. Patients of the psychiatric trauma ward may stay there for 6 weeks up to 3 months at the ward. Patients with eating disorders may stay up to 6 months at the ward.

Therapy sessions include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Social Skills Training, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Meditation, Yoga, Trauma Therapy, Sport therapy, Group Therapy & Consultation hours with the assigned psychiatrist.

Antidepressiva: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetin, Paroxetin, Sertralin. Antipsychotica: Olanzapin, Risperidon, Quetiapin, Aripiprazol.