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Old Sep 30, 2014, 05:29 PM
ifst5 ifst5 is offline
Poohbah
 
Member Since: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,018
This is a loaded question as it depends on why you need such hospitalization and what services are available to you. As you intend to be voluntary you should have more rights and a clearer understanding of the hospitalization process. Usually the better moneyed places have better facilities but expensive care isn't always better - sometimes they're out purely for your money so you need to be very very careful, check the regulatory inspections and ask as many questions as possible. Firstly, ask about staffing levels - poor staffing levels equals poor management and poor structure. Ask about their treatment programme - can you get more therapy sessions and a better quality on a outpatient service? If so that should affect your decision. What is the deescalation process and crisis management like? Is a general hospital near by or do they have on site doctors ready to help with emergency situations? What kind of patients do they accept? Is it a single or mixed ward? Is the ward locked (secure)? Also ask about observation levels and whether you'll be informed of them or able to see any notes being written down. Then finally there are the practical considerations...can you get home in an emergency from that distance? Can you get emergency leave or does this need to be prearranged? What are the local amenities like? What's the visitation process?

Every hospital will be very different but there are always pre-set standards to ensure safety and appropriate practice. Do your research, be honest about your reasons for going and expect waiting lists or criteria lists you don't meet. If you stick to your resolve you'll find something eventually, you might have to compromise along the way but if you're sure hospitalization is what you need (and i recommend getting a professional opinion on that firstly) then go for it. All the best.