All visitors will be directed from the entrance gate traffic post to the Visitor Center. Once inside the Visitor Center, you will be greeted by a member of our security team, and asked to provide photo identification. A security check will be completed, your picture will be taken, and you will receive an identification card to be worn throughout your visit.
Please do not bring in valuable items for your loved one. All items brought for a patient are subject to a safety search for contraband. Prohibited items that are contraband are listed below. A non-food item that is not contraband which is brought for a patient will be collected at the Visitor’s Center. You will be given a receipt for the item. On the next regular business day, the item will be delivered to the Treatment Team. The item will be opened under the supervision of a Treatment Team member to determine if it is clinically appropriate for the patient. Due to the hospital’s storage limitations, only one item will be accepted on each visit. Any item of clothing brought in will be laundered and labeled with the patient’s name prior to being delivered to the unit. Due to infection control reasons, visitors are not permitted to take patient’s clothing home to launder and return.
For the well-being of our patients, certain food and beverages are restricted. Please check with the Treatment Team for dietary restrictions/modifications before bringing in food. Please limit the quantity of food to what can reasonably be consumed during the visit. Patients are not permitted to take food and beverages back to the unit. Only unopened, manufacturer-sealed beverages are allowed during the visit. The food items brought in during a visit will be visually inspected before it is brought into the visiting area.
Ancora Psychiatric Hospital provides a shuttle to transport visitors to patient buildings. Once at the patient's building, you will be met by a member of the security team who will escort you to the visiting area. In the visiting area, a staff member will be provided to monitor and assist you as needed.
Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
Unless special arrangements have been made, visitors may be limited to 3 at a time per patient, depending on space and visitors must be at least 18 years old.
Because of the potential risk they pose to patients, certain items are prohibited/considered contraband on the grounds of APH. These items include:
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All tobacco products and electronic cigarettes; |
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Alcohol, and illegal drugs, substances and related paraphernalia; |
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Medications or over-the counter drugs not provided by Ancora; |
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Syringes or intravenous equipment; |
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Liquid alcohol-based items such as after shave, perfume, mouthwash; |
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Bar soap, unless prescribed by a physician; |
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Laundry detergent; |
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Lighters, matches, lighter fluid, candles; |
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Potentially dangerous tools such as knives, razor blades, box cutters, needles, pins, nail clippers, metal eating utensils; |
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Items with electrical cords; |
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Wire, wire hangers, rope, twine; |
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Firearms or explosives; |
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Plastic bags; |
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Glass containers and aluminum cans (aluminum cans may be brought into the visiting areas and disposable cups will be provided. Cans may not be brought onto patient units); |
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Restricted food items such as caffeinated beverages and peanut butter; |
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Cameras and recording devices; |
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Communication devices such as cell phones, pagers, laptop computers, personal organizers. |
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