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Who are we
The Parent Infant Unit (PIU) is a five-bed mental health inpatient unit for parents and their infants, located within the Mental Health and Wellbeing Services at the Bendigo Hospital. Each room is equipped with a double bed, cot/bassinet and private bathroom.
What we do
We assess and treat the mental health of the parent and support/strengthen the attachment relationship between parent and infant.
The unit provides pregnancy and early parenting mental health specialist assessment and treatment in the form of individual and group therapy and medication management.
Who we care for
We care for the primary caregiver (Mum, Dad or other carer) in their third trimester of pregnancy, or who have an infant under 12 months of age. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate infants who are already walking, due to safety considerations within the unit.
How to access this service
You can refer yourself or someone that you're concerned about by calling Mental Health Regional Triage Service 1300 363 788 (24 hours a day, 7 days per week). You may also request any healthcare professional to refer you using our referral form.
Commonly asked questions
Can I smoke in PIU?
No. Bendigo Health is a smoke free hospital. Referral to the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Nurse (TTSN) for consultation and advice anf a full range of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available.
Can partners stay?
Yes. Partners are welcome to stay and be involved in unit programs provided they are supportive of their partner and infant. This can be discussed with your treating team on admission.
Is only mum or dad admitted?
Mum or dad are admitted to the unit and their partner stays as a guest.
How long are admission for?
Admission length depends on individual family needs, but are usually from two to four weeks.
Do patients need to be on a Mental Health order to be admitted?
No. The Parent Infant Unit admits patients both voluntarily and on compulsory mental health orders.
When are visiting hours?
With the exception of partners, visiting hours are from 2 pm - 7 pm each day for family members, friends and siblings.
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Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
Phone
- Home
- Our Services
- Mental Health Services
- Parent Infant Unit (PIU)
How to refer your patient
For all external referrals please complete the PIU referral form and email/fax to triage.
Clinical service overview
The Parent Infant Unit (PIU) is a 5-bed mental health inpatient unit open to admissions of primary caregivers in their third trimester of pregnancy, or who have an infant under 12 months of age (provided the infant is not yet walking).
An admission to PIU will be considered where there is a diagnosed mental illness, or a risk of developing a mental illness, particularly where attachment is impacted.
The unit offers comprehensive mental health assessment and short-term treatment, while also supporting and strengthening the bond between caregiver and infant using an attachment based, trauma informed approach.
Patients may be voluntary or compulsory under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 provided risk to themselves, or the infant can be safely managed in the ward environment. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis at time of referral. If on assessment, the caregiver presents a significant risk to themselves, their infant or other infants on the ward, an admission to the Adult Acute Unit (AAU) may be required prior to a PIU admission.
Please note that PIU does not provide infant sleep training. Many factors influence infant sleep, including a parent’s wellbeing. During admission, we focus on supporting the parent’s mental health and overall recovery, and this often leads to improvements in their baby’s sleep. If, after this support, infant sleep concerns still require further intervention, we can facilitate a referral to the Early Parenting Centre (EPC) upon completion of the PIU admission.
Resources View All Health Professional Resources
303.83 KB
Psychiatric Precinct
Location
100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
