Assessments and Emergency Admissions

We have modified our belongings management process to adapt to a new environment of safety at Butler Hospital.

During the admitting process, Butler’s security team will assist patients in selecting the belongings that are allowable on the unit so they may be brought to their room. Belongings that are not permissible will be placed in a storage bag. During a patient’s stay, belongings are stored safely in a secured area of the Hospitality Suite. When patients are discharged and directed to the Hospitality Suite, they will pick up their bag of belongings, which is not to be opened until patients have left the building. 

Patients are able to have these personal items on the inpatient unit floor. 

• Two sets of clothing plus one set of night clothes
• Eyeglasses, contacts and contact solution
• Comb or brush, other personal care items are available on the unit
• Belt and one pair of shoes
• Hearing aids and dentures
• Medical equipment, such as walkers, crutches, canes or C-pap machines
• Adolescent unit: textbooks, journals, necessary sensory items and limited personal care items
• Geriatric unit: additional clothing brought by family is searched by the unit staff

Other than the geriatric unit belongings brought to the hospital by a visitor after a patient is admitted must be processed through the security office, located near the main entrance of the Riverview Building. The same restrictions apply. There are no exceptions. 

Thank you for understanding our need to change our process to protect our patients and staff. 

If you are admitted for inpatient care, you will be transferred to the appropriate unit as soon as a room is available. We transition patients from our emergency department into clinical care as quickly as possible, however, there are times when this may take several hours because a significant number of people transitioning from treatment units. 

When one of our partial hospital programs is recommended for your treatment plan, our admissions team will assign you to the appropriate partial hospital program and provide instructions on when and where to report for program. 

We also have partnerships with many community-based programs and will provide a referral should outpatient care be best. We will provide you with any necessary information, and when we’re able, we will also schedule your first appointment for you. 

The expert staff in Patient Assessment Services (PAS) provides comprehensive assessments to determine the appropriate treatment level for each patient. Together, with you, the staff will develop an individualized care plan that will serve as the foundation for your treatment at Butler and in the community.  

During your visit, you may meet with the following staff members: 

• Psychiatrists with advanced physician training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and brain-related disorders. 
• Advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in assessment and care of people with mental health and brain-related disorders. 
• Nurses and mental health clinicians specializing in patient assessment and admissions process to answer questions and provide support. 
• Patient intake coordinators who greet you at our emergency department and collect your basic information and vital signs. 
• Patient financial services representatives prepared to assist with your insurance information and help you navigate the payment process.

This team of professionals will make every effort to ensure that the assessment process is as relaxed and stress-free as possible. If something is not clear to you, please feel free to ask questions at any time. Intake coordinators are available at the desk at all times if you need assistance. 

Associate Chief Medical Officer 

Ghulam Mustafa Surti, MD

Associate Chief Nursing Officer 

Diane Ferreira RN, MHA, CCM