Admission Process
Reaching out for help is the first step. Our compassionate and experienced team will support you at every stage of your journey.
Book an Assessment
After the Assessment
On Arrival
What to Expect
South Pacific Private is a safe and nurturing community. Clients are guided on a journey of recovery by examining the underlying causes of addiction and co-occurring disorders. This may include facing difficult and painful events and emotions, healing from emotional trauma and dealing with issues of grief and loss.
One of the key aims of treatment is for clients to become aware of and accountable for their own feelings, thoughts and behaviours and ultimately their own recovery. In order to achieve this, we ask clients to disengage from any distraction so they can shift their focus to self-discovery and begin healing.
The health and safety of all members of the community is paramount, so there are some guidelines and boundaries that we require clients to follow to limit their exposure to anything which may trigger clients into their past trauma and addictive behaviours. For example, we don’t permit access to TV, mobile phones or the internet, and we have a modest dress code.
In line with NSW Health mandates, South Pacific Private is a smoke-free environment. Our program is abstinence based - we provide a clinically supervised detox and it is the ideal opportunity to support healthy living ideals which extends to a caffeine-free and low sugar diet. The rationale behind these guidelines is also related to distraction and what we as human beings typically “use” to regulate our emotions. Another key aim of treatment at South Pacific Private is to learn how to self-soothe and better regulate strong emotions and triggers without relying on potentially addictive substances and behaviours.
Client Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential for the emotional safety of South Pacific Private clients and further, health regulations dictate that any sensitive client information is held securely and only accessed by professionals for clinical reasons.
As a private hospital, we keep your details strictly confidential. Everyone entering South Pacific Private is asked to sign a confidentiality pledge, a pledge which is re-confirmed at every therapy session by both clients and staff.
Staff are not permitted to contact anyone on your behalf or accept incoming calls from anyone without your written consent. You will be asked to provide contact details for your designated contact/next of kin and medical professional in case of emergency and any friends or family members you wish to connect with or receive messages from.
Inpatient Accommodation
South Pacific Private is a fully licensed and accredited hospital with accommodation designed for optimum therapeutic benefit. Supervised shared accommodation (single sex) helps alleviate issues of isolation or avoidance and ensures clients engage with the therapeutic community. Private rooms are allocated for clinical reasons, for example, loud snoring or night terrors, or COVID isolation. While every effort is taken to minimise inconvenience for clients, on occasion, clients may be asked to move rooms during their stay.
Exercise
South Pacific Private is located close to Curl Curl Beach and clients with medical clearance are encouraged to enjoy a beach walk twice-a-day. We also provide yoga as part of the program. Swimming is permitted in the warmer months (Nov - April) as part of our Walk and Wade Program. Please note appropriate swimwear is required to participate (board shorts, full piece swimsuits and rash vests).
One of our key treatment objectives is to ask clients to deal with strong emotions without distraction and because high-impact exercise can also be addictive, it is not permitted for therapeutic reasons.
Your time with us
Clinical care
When you have been admitted and your medical needs have been addressed with the GP, within 72 hours you will be introduced to the psychiatrist overseeing your care, who will outline your care plan and monitor your progress throughout your stay. Behind the scenes, your Psychiatrist, GP, nursing staff, primary therapist and case manager will meet every week to discuss your treatment progress and agree on your individual program. This is known as your MDS team.
Orientation and settling in
Depending on your situation, the first couple of days are usually spent in detox or rest, while you gently get used to your new surroundings. We will explain the program, how it works and provide you with your client manual and other information and material you will need.
When you are ready, you will join your primary group and community activities for immersion in the program.
Please pack casual, comfortable clothing such as:
- Weatherproof jackets and jumpers
- Jeans, chinos and comfortable pants
- Flat shoes, sandshoes, sandals, thongs or sliders
- Shirts, t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Shorts, skirts and dresses must all cover the knee (or be worn with leggings beneath)
- Pyjamas and dressing gown, thongs or slippers
- Loose clothing for beach walks and yoga
- Sunglasses (for outdoor use only)
- Hats, caps and beanies (for outdoor use only)
- Appropriate swimwear (Nov to April) (board shorts, full piece swimsuits, rash vests and beach towel).
We ask that the following clothing items NOT be worn:
- Leggings (unless covered by a top to mid-thigh)
- Shorts, skirts and dresses which are shorter than knee-length, without leggings beneath
- Singlets
- Spaghetti straps
- Any clothing which is see-through or revealing
- Clothing with political or defamatory messages
- High heels
- Clothes that are suggestive, torn or ripped
Toiletries:
- Personal toiletries in original bottles (such as soap, toothbrush and toothpaste)
- Mouthwash (must be alcohol-free)
- Roll-on deodorant – no aerosols permitted
- Electric or disposable razors
- Nail clippers, emery boards
- Sunscreen
Medication:
- List of medications from your Doctor
- Medications as prescribed by your Doctor must be in original, sealed, unopened packaging
- Vitamins and supplements must be sealed and in original packaging
- Nicotine replacement therapy: Lozenges, Patches, and Nicabate strips
- E-cigarettes, NRT spray and gum are NOT permitted
- If your medication is deemed suitable by your GP and psychiatrist, it will be administered by nursing at regular medication times
What Not To Bring
Therapeutically, we want you to be fully present in the program, so we limit any activity which has the potential for distraction. The safety of every person is paramount and the following items could be harmful, or might interfere with the healing process for you, or other members of the community.
Drugs and Alcohol
No drugs or alcohol may be brought into or consumed on the premises. Failure to comply may result in immediate discharge. Perfume, aftershave, mouthwash containing alcohol and other liquids containing alcohol, are not permitted.
Sharp or dangerous objects
Open razor blades, scissors, pins, metal nail files, mirrors, glass objects, weapons and flammable agents (including aerosols), knitting or crochet needles.
Electrical Equipment
Radios, MP3 players, laptops, tablets, video games, e-readers, smart watches and Fitbits. Note: mobile phones and pagers will be placed in contraband for the duration of your inpatient treatment.
Reading material
Newspapers, novels, magazines and other literature (other than books on self-help or spirituality)
Personal grooming
Personal hairdryers, hair straighteners, curling wands, hair clippers, home waxing kits, hair dyes or hot water bottles are not permitted. Note: South Pacific Private provides hairdryers on request
Luggage Check
In order to keep all of the community safe, nursing staff will conduct a luggage check in your presence on admission. This is to ensure any contraband items as outlined above are not available during your stay. Contraband items will be safely stored and returned to you on discharge.
Other Useful Information
Laundry & Housekeeping
$1 coin-operated washing machines, dryers, soap powder and ironing boards are available for use. Out of respect to your roommates, we ask that you keep your bedroom areas tidy, and make your bed.
Personal Possessions
Please do not to bring expensive jewellery or items of value. A safe is available for each client, however, South Pacific Private does not take responsibility for your belongings.
Staying in touch
PHONE CALLS
In order to ensure you are fully engaged in your treatment, we request that calls to loved ones are kept to a minimum. Parents with young children are permitted a short call daily and calls to a spouse or loved ones are limited to two per week.
Incoming mail should be marked to your attention and addressed to South Pacific Private, 24 Beach St, Curl Curl, NSW 2096. All parcels are checked by staff in your presence.
MESSAGES
Phone messages, letters and faxes received by loved ones for whom you have provided consent will be passed onto you as soon as possible. Email exchange is not permitted.
VISITORS
Please note. To minimise risk to the South Pacific Private client community, visitors to South Pacific Private clients are NOT permitted during the Covid-19 pandemic. We will recommence Sunday visiting hours as advised by the NSW Health Department.
Getting to South Pacific Private
24 Beach Street, Curl Curl NSW 2058
Car Parking
In the interests of neighbourhood relations, parking on Beach Street for South Pacific Private clients and visitors is not permitted. For admission, please drop loved ones and luggage to the front door, and if no spots are available, please find parking on the neighbouring street, Carrington Parade. There is no provision for car parking for in-patient clients at South Pacific Private and we ask that no car is parked on Beach Street, or neighbouring streets for the duration of your visit.
To see our parking options at South Pacific Private click here
Airport Shuttle
There are a range of Northern Beaches based shuttles available to service passengers arriving from Sydney airport:
