North Carolina Residents

State and Local Government

Providers of MH/DD/SA Services

Statistics and Publications

Guide to Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus

SERVICES

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus serves as the regional psychiatric hospital for the 16-county South Central Region of the Department of Health and Human Services. In collaboration with community-based mental health programs, we provide evaluation, treatment and rehabilitative services for the mentally ill. Neurological, as well as medical and surgical services are provided upon referral from other state facilities in the North Central, Eastern, and South Central regions.

ACCREDITATION

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the national voluntary accrediting agency for hospitals, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Federal Government.

MISSION

The mission of Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus is to provide inpatient psychiatric treatment and care to consumers with severe and persistent mental illness who cannot be treated at the level of care in their local community.

GOALS

The goals of Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus are as follows.

• Continuous improvements in clinical service delivery
• Staff retention and operational integrity
• Budget and salary reserve management

AFFILIATIONS

• Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
• Campbell University
• Central Piedmont Community College
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Fayetteville State University
• Meredith College
• North Carolina Central University
• North Carolina State University
• Shaw University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Wake Forest University
• Wake Technical Community College

ADMISSIONS

North Carolina law provides for two types of admission procedures (voluntary and involuntary). All involuntary admissions are reviewed by a District Court Judge at a regularly scheduled Commitment Hearing.

· Voluntary : Persons who believe themselves to be in need of inpatient treatment for a mental illness are encouraged to sign a request for evaluation/consent to treatment form. If you are admitted voluntarily, you may request to be discharged by completing a Request for Discharge Form. The hospital must then discharge you within 72 hours (3 days) unless your physician believes that further treatment is necessary. In this case, involuntary commitment may be initiated.

· Involuntary : If you are admitted by involuntary procedures (against your will), you have the right to a court hearing within 10 days, where it is determined whether you need to remain in the hospital for treatment. The hearing will be held at the hospital unless you request that it be held in your home county.

Within a few days of your admission, you will be contacted by a lawyer who will represent you at the hearing. Your lawyer will help you understand about the hearing and help ensure that the Judge hears your thoughts about being in the hospital. If you wish, you may retain at your expense, your own lawyer. At the hearing, you may exercise the following rights.

• The right to an attorney. You may have your own, or an attorney can be provided for you. You can reach an attorney by calling 733-5544.
• The right to be present at the hearing.
• The right to speak for yourself.
• The right to challenge what is said about you.

At the initial hearing, the judge will either discharge you or commit you for continued treatment. If committed, you will be required to stay at our hospital for as long as it is necessary to complete your treatment, but no longer than 90 days without a rehearing. However, your physician may discharge you earlier if he/she believes that you are ready.

If you leave the hospital without authorization, your physician may notify law enforcement agencies and request that you be returned.

 LEGAL SERVICES

If you are unable to pay for legal services, you can receive free legal aid services from the office of Carolina Legal Assistant (C.L.A.). You may call 856-2121 or write their office a 224 South Dawson Street , Raleigh , NC 27602 . Representatives from the C.L.A. program visit the hospital on a regular basis and will meet with you and other patients in your building. Ask your nurse or other unit staff for the times and places of these visits.

ASSESSMENT

Treatment begins with a complete assessment of your needs, including: Intake interview and screening/evaluation. Nursing assessment upon admission. Physician assessment within 24 hours. Psychosocial assessment within 10 days. Psychological evaluation as ordered by the attending physician. Rehabilitation Therapies assessment within 10 days. Nutritional assessment as indicated. Speech and Hearing screening for Adolescent and Geriatric patients. Evaluation and treatment as ordered by the physician. Physical therapy evaluation and treatment as ordered by the physician. Vocational/Occupational assessment as indicated.

TREATMENT

At Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus, we use a holistic treatment approach to restore the physical, environmental and spiritual well-being of our patients. Through medication, counseling, educational sessions, family therapy, group therapy, recreation therapy, work therapy, diet, creative expressive art and occupational therapy, we help patients learn how to better cope with problems and to regain control of their lives.

A team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other trained professionals work together to provide individual care and assistance with recovery. Our skilled and experienced multidisciplinary team then develops a comprehensive treatment plan addressing individual and family needs, the social environment, medical needs, and vocational and legal issues. Families are encouraged to participate with the patient's consent. Medical responsibility is maintained through continuous 24 hour physician and RN coverage.

Continuity of Care: Help and support does not stop when a patient leaves the hospital. Continuing care is a vital part of the recovery process and is provided a part of the comprehensive treatment plan. Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus in collaboration with community-based area mental health, developmental disabilities and substance-abuse programs and other facilities, works to ease the transition from hospitalization to the home and work environment. We encourage all patients and families to actively participate in their treatment and recovery plan.

 DIVISIONS

Adult Psychiatric Division

Adults, ages 18 to 60, are admitted to the Adult Admission units located in the McBryde Building .

Treatment in Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus' Adult Psychiatric Program begins with a comprehensive assessment of the individual's physical, psychological, social and vocational needs. Specialized care addresses a wide range of illnesses including:

Psychotic Disorders Substance Abuse Disorders Affective Disorders Eating Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Personality Disorders Almost all patients are discharged from the Adult Admissions Units. A few patients require inpatient treatment more than 90 days and are transferred to longer term treatment units.

CLINICAL RESEARCH DIVISION

Adults, age 18 to 65, may be admitted directly or transferred to the Clinical Research Division for participation in ongoing studies focused on understanding the causes of schizophrenia the development of new pharmacological treatment approaches to these disorders. Individuals who are interested participating and who meet study criteria will be admitted to Clinical Research Division located in the Edgerton Building , where they will voluntarily begin extensive evaluation and treatment within a research setting. Often, this treatment and the participant's stay at the unit is free of charge. The Clinical Research Division is a field site associated with the Mental Health Clinical Research Center , Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Interested individuals and family members are encouraged to call the Clinical Research Division at (919) 733-5227 for up-to-date information regarding current studies and are invited to take a tour of the unit.

ADOLESCENT DIVISION

Many teens experience overwhelming tensions and anxiety. Peer pressure, along with the tremendous physical and emotional changes that occur, can lead to behavioral problems at home or in school. Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus offers a responsive, caring program for youths, ages 12 to 18, with emotional or behavioral problems including:

• Adolescent and family disturbance
• Suicidal disorders
• Attention deficit disorders
• Adolescent depression
• Behavioral disorders
• Sexual abuse
• Childhood schizophrenia

The two treatment units for adolescents are located in Williams and Ashby Buildings . Each unit has a program of treatment best suited to the adolescent's individual needs. We offer a therapeutic and structured setting with staff who are specially trained in working with teenagers. We provide an individualized schedule which includes individual and family therapy, school, and recreation. Our nursing staff work closely with each patient to set and achieve treatment goals and to help teens learn appropriate behaviors and skills for coping with the pressures of adolescent life. Our social work staff work closely with families.

GEROPSYCHIATRY DIVISION

Adults, ages 60 and over, are admitted to the Geriatric Admissions unit located in the McBryde Building . We offer a specialized short-term evaluation and treatment program (usually less than 60 days). Patients who require longer treatment stay in a rehabilitation area of the Division, depending on personal assistance needs with bathing, feeding, dressing and awareness of surroundings.

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus provides a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program which addresses many problems faced by older adults including:

• Severe and persistent mental illness
• Cognitive disorders including
• Alzheimer's disease
• Mood disorders
• Biopsychosocial changes associated with aging
• Psychiatric illness complicated by medical problems
• Placement issues
• Family coping
• Grief and bereavement issues

Our goal is to help patients achieve a level of functioning which will allow the return to a home setting or placement in a group care setting. We encourage family members to maintain close contact with patients and staff and to provide valuable input for the treatment and recovery process of their loved ones.

MEDICAL DIVISION

The Medical Division of Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus provides consultation and referral service for neurological, medical, and surgical care for patients in the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse facilities, and inmates of the Department of Corrections. The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive medical care congruent with psychiatric or habilitative care.

Outpatient Services include:

• Telephone Consultation available 24 hours a day.
• Inpatient/Outpatient Clinic (examination, diagnostic evaluation and treatment in the areas of Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neurology, Oral Surgery, Urology, Podiatry and Gynecology).
• 24-Hour Observation

Inpatient Services include:

• Medical Unit (This unit provides care for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions).

Support Services include:

• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Medical Laboratory Services
• Social Work Services
• MIS
• Dental Clinic
• Purchasing
• Hospital Management (Business Office)

FORENSIC DIVISION

The Forensic Division provides consultative and evaluative services regarding the capacity to proceed to the judicial system of North Carolina . The Division is responsible for the evaluation of both male and female patients who have criminal charges. These patients are referred to the Forensic Psychiatry Division by the Court. Short-term psychiatric and medical treatment for patients during the evaluation process are provided. A comprehensive report of the multidisciplinary ream findings and recommendations are made to the court. The Division also provides consultation and education to other Divisions of Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus, the community, mental health centers, the Department of Correction and other agencies concerned with criminal issues in North Carolina and nationally.

PASTORAL SERVICES

Pastoral Services provide spiritual-emotional care for patients at Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus. There are two chaplains who make regular rounds to each unit of the hospital. You may request a visit by a chaplain by asking a staff person on your unit. Church services are held at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in the All Faiths Chapel on the hospital grounds. The Department of Pastoral Services may be reached at (919) 733-5562.

PATIENT CONDUCT

At Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus, patients and staff each have responsibilities for maintaining an environment which respects the dignity and rights of all persons. All patients and staff are expected to conduct themselves in ways that will enhance the recovery and growth of each patient.

It is the patient's responsibility to:

• Work with the staff in setting goals for your recovery.
• Follow recommended treatment plan.
• Abide by established ward regulations.
• Refrain from destructive behaviors such as:
• Physically harming self or others.
• Stealing and/or damaging property belonging to others.
• Possessing and/or using drugs not included in your treatment plan.
• Using excessively loud or abusive language.
• Sexual harassment, threats, or use of obscene language.

VISITATION

Visits and communication with family members and significant others play an important role in treatment. Visiting hours may vary with each program but are generally from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily. Children, 12 years of age and under, are not permitted to visit except by pre-arrangement on an individual basis. Please inquire as to any other visiting restrictions that may apply individually to each patient.

Patients and visitors may not take photographs on campus in order to protect the privacy of all patients.

TELEPHONE

Pay telephones are available on each ward or building for your convenience. Upon orientation each patient will be informed of the location of the phone and policy concerning its use.

SMOKING

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus has been designated as a smoke-free facility. Smoking is permitted by patients ages, 18 and over, in specified outdoor areas. Patients will be informed of smoking locations during orientation.

SNACKS

The Hospital Grill, is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and vending machines are also available at various locations.

IDENTIFICATION PICTURES

Upon admission, pictures are taken of patients for identification purposes. This helps staff become familiar with newly admitted patients.

GIFTS

Individual staff members cannot give or receive gifts from patients or family members. Any gift from a patient or family will be considered a donation to Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus, and will be used to benefit all patients.

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

At the time of admission, patients' clothing and personal items will be checked and listed. As a precaution against loss or theft, you should allow all clothing to be marked. The hospital is liable only for valuables or marked clothing turned over to staff for safe keeping or laundering in the hospital laundry. Please expect a two to five day period for clothing to be returned from the laundry. Valuable property such as legal documents, property deeds, car titles, credit cards, expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, etc. should be returned with family members if possible, or deposited in the cashier's office for safe keeping. A receipt will be issued if deposited in the cashier's office. If you keep valuable items you will be asked to sign a statement releasing the hospital from any liability for them.

Patients are not allowed to keep sharp or potentially dangerous items such as knives, scissors, straight and safety razors, cigarette lighters and lighter fluid, and glass bottles or other potentially dangerous objects.

If you have these in your possession, they will be returned to your family or locked for safekeeping until the time of your discharge. Electrical appliances must be cleared with program staff and inspected by the Electronics Department.

Since storage space is limited, you should keep only the amount of clothing that would be needed within a week's period of time. Laundry facilities are available for washable clothing, but dry cleaning will be at your own expense.

MEDICATIONS

Medications brought to the hospital by patients are sent home with family or listed and sent to the hospital pharmacy for safekeeping. They will be returned upon request at time of discharge. Only medications prescribed by your physician may be used in the hospital.

MONEY MATTER

Patients are allowed to keep a reasonable amount of spending money and may withdraw up to $35.00 from their personal account on deposit with the hospital by notifying the designated staff member on the unit. A unit staff member is available to explain the procedure for ordering money.

When a patient's personal check is deposited in the cashier's office, the deposit cannot be drawn on for ten working days. Out-of-state checks require a fifteen working day clearance time.

PATIENTS' RIGHTS

During treatment at Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus, a patient retains his or her rights as provided for and protected by state and federal law. Each hospital staff member wants to ensure that patients are accorded such care, treatment and privileges that enhance one's dignity, promotes one's welfare, and protects one's rights.

A patient at Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus has the right to:

· Be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

· Live as normally as possible in a safe, aesthetic and humane environment that preserves your dignity and privacy while meeting your basic health and hygiene needs.

· Be free from corporal punishment, abuse, neglect or exploitation by staff.

· Be considered legally competent and exercise all civil rights, including disposal of property, voting, marrying, etc. unless you are a minor or have been adjudicated incompetent by a court according to state law. Communicate and consult with legal counsel and private physicians of your choice and at your own expense.

· Consult with the Patients' Advocate located in the hospital at (919) 733-9840.

· Send and receive sealed, uncensored mail, with the exception of Forensic Division patients.

· Receive payment for work done of value to the facility with the exception of limited housekeeping duties in your personal living space.

· Register to vote or update your voter registration while receiving inpatient treatment at Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus.

· Present any ethical issue related to your care for review.

· Receive appropriate evaluation and treatment in the least restrictive environment.

· Seek resolution of dissatisfaction with any aspect of your hospitalization by filing a grievance according to the Standards of Clinical Practice Policy.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus believes that patient privacy and confidentiality are of primary importance during treatment. Confidentiality is basic to therapy and the patient has the right to control access to information concerning treatment and to have his or her personal privacy assured and protected within the constraints of the treatment plan.

It is the policy of Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus to maintain confidential information according to the laws (GS. 122C-52 through GS. 122C-56) and the regulations of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. In order that patients receive appropriate treatment and continuity of care, information may be shared among treating agencies of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, and with the psychiatric service of University of North Carolina Hospitals without the consent of the patient or guardian. All confidential information is contained in a computerized records system and may be used for statistical and program planning purposes.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus will never turn someone away because he or she cannot afford treatment. Hospital charges are based on the patient's ability to pay, and third party payments are accepted from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Adult patients will be contacted by a representative from our Patient Relations Office to arrive at a determination of payment ability. The Patient Relations Representative will be happy to answer questions or address concerns about financial arrangements. Their number is (919) 715-7676.

THE PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL

We at Central Regional Hospital (CRH) - Raleigh Campus recognize that a patient's well-being and recovery are the most important elements of the total treatment plan. The ultimate goal is to prepare the patient for community living. We believe that the total treatment setting, as well as specific therapeutic approaches such as medication and individual and group therapy, are major tools in the rehabilitation process.

When patients are ready to leave the hospital, we coordinate aftercare services with referring community programs in order to ease the transition from the hospital back into the community. Consultation and active liaison with family members are also integral components of treatment and recovery.

We hope that our individualized treatment approach, caring and professional staff, and patient-friendly environment will help in the healing process and allow patients to return healthy to community living.

EXECUTIVE STAFF

If you have concerns and would like to express your concerns to a member of the Hospital Executive Staff, please direct your call to the following:

Disclaimer | Contact Us | Get the Acrobat Reader | DHHS Press Releases