A unit for emergency services for mental illness and addiction problems operates in connection with the joint emergency services. This unit serves patients with sudden mental health crises, other mentally very burdensome situations or crises related to drug addiction.
The emergency services unit for mental illness and addiction problems is staffed by a psychiatrist and a nurse. The unit is open 24-7. At the unit, patients are assessed with respect to their need for psychiatric help and they get primary care for severe psychiatric symptoms. If needed, patients are referred elsewhere for further treatment.
Patients visiting the outpatient psychiatry and addiction clinic who need attendance for other than emergency causes are referred to their outpatient clinics. There are no regular visiting hours, but brief visits by family and next of kin are possible. If needed, family members and next of kin are invited to participate in sorting out the acute situation.