Inpatient Program FAQs

Inpatient Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How will the staff at Butler help me feel safe while in the hospital? 

Safety is our priority. To assist you in staying safe, the unit uses a checks system in which a staff member checks on you frequently throughout the day. Staff also ensure that the environment is safe through frequent unit safety checks. Staff are always available to talk about any safety concerns you have. 

Will I get to go outside? 

As you progress with your treatment, you will be able to go on walks on the hospital grounds with staff during the daytime. The Senior Treatment Unit has a beautiful, spacious outdoor patio area for you to enjoy when the weather is nice. 

Can I smoke? 

Butler Hospital is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the grounds. If you smoke or use tobacco products, the hospital will provide medications that may aid in smoking cessation or help to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. We appreciate your cooperation with our smoke-free policy. 

Can I use the phone? 

A phone is available for your use during free time and non-group time. The unit phone can be used for treatment-related issues. Cell phones are not permitted on the unit because of patient confidentiality.  

Will I have a roommate? 

You may have a roommate and may share a bathroom. 

What can I bring with me onto the unit? 

For safety reasons, staff will check any personal belongings that are brought to the hospital by a patient and clarify what items are restricted. Gifts and packages that are brought to the hospital for a patient will also be checked for your safety. 

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 in 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
  • Belt and one pair of shoes
  • Hearing aids and dentures
  • Medical equipment, such as walkers, crutches, canes or C-pap machines 
  • A small amount of money for use in the vending machines or for special unit activities  

Items patients should not have:  

  • Alcoholic beverages and non-prescription drugs. Non-compliance with this rule is grounds for asking a patient or visitor to leave the hospital
  • Large sums of money and other valuables, such as jewelry
  • Sharp or breakable objects and plastic bags 
  • Flammable liquids, including nail polish and lighter fluid 

What happens when it’s time for me to leave the hospital? 

Social workers are available to help you prepare for discharge, and staff will review your follow-up plan with you before you leave. You will receive prescriptions for medications ordered by your doctor along with a discharge instruction sheet with follow up care plans and appointments. 

What are the visiting hours on inpatient units? 

Each unit has different hours and policies for visitors. Schedules are included with information on each unit. 

Comprehensive Inpatient Services For You

Adults and adolescents who require immediate stabilization, evaluation and treatment are cared for in one of several treatment units. Treatment is short-term and intensive, with average stay of four to eight days. 

The adult inpatient unit on Delmonico 4 offers acute care and is staffed by clinicians and nurses who are specially trained to care for adults affected by anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis and other severe psychiatric conditions.  

The Kent Unit at Butler provides services to adults in partnership with Kent Hospital, Butler's sister hospital in Care New England.   

There are two Intensive Treatment Units (ITU), which are specialized units designed to provide intensive therapy to patients, and offers a higher staff-to-patient ratio.  

The Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Unit offers specialized care to people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and need detoxification as well as psychiatric intervention. Many people who abuse drugs or alcohol have an underlying behavioral health problem such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post traumatic stress disorder PTSD.  

The Adolescent Treatment Unit provides psychiatric treatment and support for teenagers in a safe and caring environment.  Treatment programs are offered for depression, anxiety, addictions, and other mental illnesses.  Support is also provided for teens who have thoughts of suicide or self-harming behaviors.  

With the resources of a world-renowned psychiatric staff, the care Butler provides to patients with psychiatric illnesses and/or addictions is second to none.