Banksia Ward Visiting Hours

• Monday to Friday 6 PM to 8 PM
  
• Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 11 AM to 8 PM 
• Visitors are normally restricted to parents and family members and parents are not permitted to stay overnight. 

The Ward is part of the Mental Health Program at The Royal Children's Hospital.

Banksia is a 16-bed inpatient unit where young people aged 13 to 18 years are assessed and treated for a range of mental and psychological disorders including:

• psychosis
• mood disorders
• emotional problems
• behavioural problems
• relationship problems
• habit or self-care problems
• other psychological and perceptual problems.

The Ward provides the least restrictive environment possible while remaining compatible with the needs and safety of young people and staff.  It also aims to promote community management wherever possible.

Banksia Ward uses a multi-disciplinary approach to assess and treat young people admitted to the Ward.  The team is comprised of consultant psychiatrists, registered nurses with mental health qualifications, a psychologist, social worker, psychiatry registrar and teachers with special education qualifications.

The unit offers residential support and programs including:

• assessment
• treatment
• counselling 
• educational support
• individual therapy
• family therapy and group work
• diagnosis and medical treatment
• continuity of care

Elements of the Banksia Ward therapeutic program include:

• activity groups oriented towards improving self-esteem and acquiring skills
• educational and vocational sessions
• therapy to improve interpersonal skills
• individually tailored programs
• medication