What to bring to Hall Ward information sheet

Contact details

Hall ward phone: (02) 7825 1112

Location: Level 1, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Introduction

Hall Ward is part of the Acute Psychiatric Inpatient service, where we provide care in the least restrictive environment. To prepare for your stay, please review the following list of items to bring with you.

Packing checklist

Clothing

Please bring clothes for at least 5 days.

Clothing may include:

  • 5 tops 
  • 5 pants/trousers
  • 2 jumpers
  • 1 pair of pyjamas
  • changes of underwear and socks

Please your ensure the clothes don't have any cords or drawstrings. Parents will be asked to take the clothing home, or we will remove the cords, so they do not pose a risk.

Please do not bring clothes with inappropriate words or pictures on them.

In some cases we do wash patients clothing but it's preferred that parents can take dirty clothing home to wash.

Dress code and appearance 

You are welcome to express yourself in what you wear, but we ask you to dress with dignity and in a manner that does not offend others. 

Please avoid: 

  • Mid-drift/crop tops 
  • Short shorts or skirts  
  • Boxers or pajamas during the day 
  • Offensive slogans/graphics  
  • Revealing clothing 

Toiletries

Toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste.

These will be kept in a locked cupboard when not in use.

Shoes and slippers

Bring 2 pairs of shoes without laces. 

Laces are not permitted and must be removed from shoes.

Please bring a pair of slippers - these are useful when you are moving about your room or in our communal areas. 

Bedding

You can bring your pillow and/or quilt from home. 

We will provide bedding if you don't bring yours from home.

Mobile phone or tablet

Phones and tablets will be kept secure by nursing staff. 

Device time is scheduled daily and listed on the timetable. 

You can use the ward phone to call parents or carers between 4pm and 8pm, in addition to your device time.

Guest wifi is available within the hospital.

Reading material

Reading can be relaxing for some patients, so please bring consider bringing a book or your favourite magazine.

We will review these to make sure they are appropriate.

Medications

Bring your medications with you, especially those you take regularly.

On arrival, please give them to the nursing staff when you arrive. We will make sure you receive the medication as prescribed.

Safety check

Upon admission and after any leave, we will check your belongings and store them in your personal locker.

If we suspect you have a dangerous item or have concerns about your safety, a nurse may use a metal detector to check your belongings.

We may conduct a non-touch body search and remind you of what can be brought into the ward, what can be left in a locker, and what should be taken home by your parents or carer.

Prohibited items

To ensure a safe environment, the following items are not allowed in Hall Ward:

  • Substances: Alcohol, cigarettes, illicit substances, vapes
  • Fire hazards: Lighters, matches
  • Breakable items: Glass or plastic items (e.g., mirrors)
  • Sharp objects: Any items that could be used as weapons or for self-harm
  • Clothing accessories: Scarves, belts, drawstring pants/tops (including hooded jumpers)
  • Reading material: Books or magazines with adult themes
  • Other restrictions: Shoelaces, spray deodorants, aerosols, nail polish remover, products in aluminium cans, plastic bags, chewing gum, hair dryers, straighteners, curling wands, notebooks with spirals or staples, money/valuables.