Admission
Taking the First Step Toward Support
Sundays: 10:00–12:00 Other days as per booking
17 Addision Street, Hospitaal Park, Bloemfontein
Before 12:00 on your date of discharge
The Process
How Admission Works
Referral & Booking
Arrival Day
Settling In
On the day
What to Expect When You Arrive
Time
Check-In
Support
Your Checklist
What to Bring
- ALL chronic medication as well as *glucose meter and test strips (*if Diabetic)
- Pajamas and gown
- Comfortable clothes for the day
- Own toiletries and towel
- Hangers and water bottle
- Own pillow – if preferred and clearly marked
- Phone airtime and change for vending machines
- R 50 for group therapy manual (payable at occupational therapist)
Medical Aid & Fees
Our Case Managers arrange your authorization and liaise with your medical aid directly. You’ll receive separate accounts from your psychiatrist, psychologist and other practitioners.
Some plans require pre-authorization or a co-payment (for example, Discovery Keycare and Momentum Custom). We will explain anything that applies to you before admission.
Length of Stay
Every recovery is different. Your stay depends on your individual progress and cooperation, the guidance of your therapeutic team, and the benefits available on your medical aid.
Common Questions
Clear answers to common questions about admission, treatment, medical aid, and what to expect at Mcare Optima.
Can I have visitors during my stay?
We understand that staying connected with loved ones can be an important part of the recovery journey. To maintain a calm, therapeutic environment in the hospital, visits take place in our designated outdoor park area rather than inside the hospital.
Patients may receive visitors in the park when a pass-out has been authorised by their treating psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will consider the patient’s clinical wellbeing and treatment plan when approving visits.
Family and friends are welcome to spend meaningful time with patients in this peaceful outdoor setting, providing an opportunity for connection and support during their stay.
Parcels for patients may be delivered to Security, where staff will receive and manage them in accordance with hospital guidelines.
Can I go home over the weekend?
To support continuity of care and ensure that patients receive the full benefit of their treatment programme, weekend overnight leave is generally not permitted during an inpatient stay. In addition, medical aid benefits generally do not make provision for overnight weekend leave, and patients are therefore required to remain at the hospital during this time.
However, day leave may be considered and authorised by the treating psychiatrist, based on the patient’s clinical needs and progress. Patients may leave the hospital during the day but are required to return to M-Care Optima and sleep at the hospital as part of their inpatient treatment.
Our treatment programme is designed to provide consistency, structure and support throughout the admission period.
What happens on discharge day?
Discharge day follows the usual morning programme, allowing patients to have breakfast and attend their final scheduled group sessions before leaving.
We recommend that patients arrange their transport for around 12:00, after the morning programme has been completed. This allows for a smooth transition from the hospital and gives patients sufficient time to complete their discharge arrangements.
Before leaving, please ensure that any hospital keys or other items issued during your stay are returned to the Nursing Station.
How long will I stay at M-Care Optima?
M-Care Optima generally follows a two-week inpatient treatment programme, providing patients with time to focus on their recovery within a structured and supportive environment.
The length of stay may vary depending on each patient’s individual needs, progress, and treatment plan. Your treating psychiatrist will assess your progress and determine the appropriate duration of your admission. When clinically indicated, we may extend an admission, with stays usually not exceeding approximately three weeks.