Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical referral will ordinarily be required for an inpatient psychiatric admission. The referral may come from a psychiatrist, general practitioner, hospital emergency department or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

A patient or family member may contact Shamar before the referral has been obtained. The admissions team will explain what is required and guide the person through the next step.

The process starts when the patient, a family member or a referring practitioner contacts Shamar by telephone, email or the secure online admissions enquiry form.

The admissions team will gather the necessary information, identify any urgent concerns, explain the clinical and funding requirements, and arrange the appropriate pre-admission assessment. Submitting an enquiry does not automatically confirm an admission.

Yes. Shamar's current inpatient admission pathway is for voluntary mental healthcare users. This means the patient agrees to the admission and is able to participate in the relevant consent and clinical processes.

The patient will have the opportunity to ask questions about admission, treatment, medication, therapeutic programmes, rights and responsibilities before admission proceeds.

A voluntary admission means the patient enters treatment with their consent through the appropriate clinical and legal process.

Patients remain entitled to dignity, information, privacy and participation in decisions about their care, while also accepting responsibilities such as participating in treatment, respecting others and following the Patient Code of Conduct.

Shamar's current admission pathway is designed for voluntary admissions.

Patients who are unwilling or unable to consent, or who require assisted or involuntary care, must be assessed through the appropriate Mental Health Care Act process at a health establishment able to provide that pathway.

If there is an immediate medical or psychiatric emergency, contact emergency medical services or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.

A family member or support person may contact Shamar and begin an enquiry.

However, an adult patient's consent, decision-making capacity, confidentiality rights and clinical circumstances must always be considered before a voluntary admission can proceed.

Admissions should always be arranged with the admissions team and remain subject to clinical review, bed availability, documentation and funding confirmation.

The online enquiry form is not an emergency service.

Admission timing depends on the urgency of the clinical need, receipt of supporting information, completion of the assessment, funding arrangements and bed availability.

An admission date can only be confirmed once these requirements have been completed.

Every patient's journey is different.

Length of stay depends on diagnosis, progress, treatment goals, clinical needs and funding arrangements. The anticipated duration may change as treatment progresses.

Shamar provides care within its approved adult and adolescent clinical scope.

The admissions team will confirm whether the clinic's current services are appropriate for the patient's age and needs.

Yes. Private funding is welcomed, and our admissions team will provide an estimate covering accommodation, medication, practitioner consultations and treatment costs before admission.

Practitioner fees are billed separately from accommodation and programme costs. Our admissions team will explain which fees are included and which are billed individually, whether via medical aid or private payment.

Depending on the funding arrangement, an admission deposit may be required. Our admissions team will confirm the amount and terms as part of the funding confirmation step.

Private room availability depends on occupancy and clinical suitability at the time of admission. Our admissions team can confirm what is available when arranging your stay.

Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for daily therapeutic activities is recommended. There is no formal dress code.

For safety reasons, certain items are not permitted on the ward. A full list of restricted items will be shared with you and your family before admission.

Yes. As part of the admission process, belongings are checked for safety reasons before being brought onto the ward.

Patients are encouraged to leave cash and valuables at home. Any items brought in can be securely stored by our team on request.

Yes, current medication should be brought in its original packaging. All medication is recorded and managed by our nursing team during your stay.

Device use is managed as part of each patient's individual treatment plan, balancing connection with family and the therapeutic value of time away from screens. Our team will explain the approach that applies to your programme.

Continuing work or study during admission is considered as part of the individual treatment plan and clinical recommendations. This is discussed with the treating team on a case-by-case basis.

A typical day includes a structured programme of individual therapy, group therapy, therapeutic activities, rest and mealtimes, tailored to each patient’s treatment plan.

Group therapy is a core part of the treatment approach and patients are expected to participate as part of their individual treatment plan, as clinically appropriate.

All patients are asked to follow the Patient Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations around safety, respect for others, and participation in the therapeutic programme. This is shared in full before or at admission.

Updates are shared with family members in line with the patient’s consent and applicable privacy legislation. Our team will confirm what information can be shared and with whom.

Yes, visiting is supported as part of the treatment programme. Our admissions team will confirm current visiting arrangements ahead of admission.

Children may visit where appropriate and agreed with the treating team, considering the wellbeing of both the patient and the visiting child.

Visitors are asked to check with our team before bringing any items onto the ward, as certain items are restricted for safety reasons.

As a voluntary mental healthcare user, a patient may request to end their admission. The treating team will discuss this request, any clinical concerns, and the appropriate next steps.

Discharge planning begins early in the admission and includes follow-up care recommendations, medication guidance and, where appropriate, referral to ongoing outpatient support.

The Patient Code of Conduct sets out expectations for behaviour during admission. Where these are not followed, the treating team will address this directly with the patient, which may affect the treatment plan.

Patients are entitled to dignity, privacy, information about their care, and participation in decisions about their treatment, in line with applicable mental healthcare legislation.

Spiritual and pastoral support can be arranged on request as part of a patient’s individual care, respecting each patient’s beliefs and preferences.

Individual needs are considered as part of the pre-admission clinical assessment. Our admissions team will discuss any specific requirements ahead of admission.

Smoking and vaping are managed in line with Shamar’s clinical and safety policies. Our team will explain the current policy and any designated arrangements before admission.