FAQs

How do I know if I am eligible for treatment at Wandi Nerida?

To be eligible for consideration of treatment at Wandi Nerida you need to meet each of the eligibility criteria outlined below.

• The service is sex/gender inclusive.
• Age >16 years (dependent on developmental maturity).  Participants under 16 can be assessed within 6 weeks of their 16th birthday for intake to the program.
• Primary DSM-5 diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
• Participants must have a BMI of >13.5 (>75%IBW for adolescents)
• Participant agrees to consent to treatment and understands the importance of timely treatment in their eating disorder recovery.
• Participants are not subject to a treatment order under Mental Health Act 2016.
• Risk(s) of suicide and harm to self or others do not require management beyond what Wandi Nerida can safely offer. 
• Participants have a clear understanding of the consequences of not engaging in residential treatment on their recovery. 
• Participants agree to abide by the rules outlined in the participant handbook and have signed the participant agreement willingly.
• Independent management of mobility.
• No active substance dependence.
• Manageable dietary restrictions (No veganism but religious and/or cultural dietary considerations will be catered for).
  
  Medically stable as evidenced by:
• Systolic BP 90mm (>80mm for adolescents) or above
• Heart Rate >50 and <100 bpm
• No significant postural tachycardia or hypotension
• Normal ECG (no acute changes)
• Electrolytes that are normal or can be managed by oral replacement.

What is the referrals process?

All referrals including recent pathology and results are to be submitted via the online referral form. Your referrer will receive an acknowledgement letter within 48 hours of receipt of your referral. You will then be entered into the Wandi Nerida system and will receive a notification stating your referral has been received, a Wandi Nerida bursary application from, a link to the ‘self assessment’ questionnaire and a 'consent to store information’ form. Please note that our team currently do not have the capacity to chase you for these forms. Please prioritise returning these within 3 days of receipt.

A Wandi Nerida team member will be in contact with you within one week of receipt of your forms to schedule a preadmission Telehealth appointment to discuss the information presented in your self assessment. Following the preadmission appointment our team will assess your details and determine your readiness for treatment. If you are deemed ready for care you will be placed on our waitlist and contacted again four weeks prior to your expected admission date with the admission details.

How do I return the self assessment form?

You will receive a notification with a link to the self assessment form once your referral has been assessed by our team. Please complete the online form and submit within three days of receiving. 

How much notice will I get for my Intake Assessment?

A link will be sent to you within one week of receiving your self assessment to allow you to schedule an intake assessment via a telehealth appointment. The appointment will be for 45minutes online via the Hot Health platform.

A senior psychologist will undertake the intake assessment with you. 

This appointment will allow us to review the information your doctor provided on the referral, information you provided on the self-assessment form and find out anything additional you may want us to know.

The information gathered at intake assessment will be discussed at the Multidisciplinary team meeting to determine your readiness for care. 

Will my referrer be informed of the status of my referral?

Our referrals process is designed to ensure your Doctor is kept informed of the status of your referral. Your Doctor will be notified of the outcome of your referral within 3 weeks of completion of the Intake Assessment.

What is the minimum BMI accepted for admission to Wandi Nerida?

Our minimum BMI is 13.5

What happens on admission day?

The Wandi Nerida team will confirm your admission date and arrival time prior to your arrival. We admit new participants on Mondays at 11am. Your family or support people are welcome to accompany you to Wandi Nerida to help you settle in. Upon arrival our treating team will review your details and check it is correct in our electronic medical record.  Our team will introduce you to other participants and staff and begin the orientation to the facility.

How long is the waitlist?

All referrals will be reviewed by our intake team and triaged accordingly.  We commit to providing a bed within the clinically recommended timeframe. 

How long will I stay at Wandi Nerida?

At Wandi Nerida our holistic multidisciplinary treatment plans are collaboratively designed with you to meet your unique needs. As such it is not a one-size-fits all model and your length of stay may vary based on recommendation from our Clinical Director and your progress through recovery.  The average length of stay is 60 days. 

How much does it cost to attend Wandi Nerida?

The costs of the program are $90,000, which Private Health Insurance covers approximately $30,000, depending on your level of cover. The remaining gap is payable by the participant, family or through a Bursary, information on the Bursary is provided below. 

There are some additional costs which are not covered. Meals outings to local cafes and restaurants are a key part of the program, so approximately another $700 over the 60 days will be required.  Travel to Wandi Nerida is also in addition to the costs above and dependant on where you are traveling from. 

Once you have completed the intake assessment and have been identified as ready for care, you will be asked to submit a Bursary Application prior to an informed financial consent being generated which outlines the specific program costs relate to your admission.   

What is a Bursary Application ?

If you wish to receive a financial support to assist with the cost of a stay then you can complete a Bursary Application. It will be assessed on based on your financial means.  The Bursary is available to all Australian residents and we encourage all participants to apply. 

How is a Bursary awarded?

Wandi Nerida has a Bursary Committee that meets regularly to assess Bursary Applications. They will be assessed on a participants capacity to pay and they will be awarded at the discretion of the committee. 

Does everyone need to apply for a Bursary?
You only need to apply for a Bursary if you require financial assistance to contribute to the cost of your stay. If you are going to apply for a Bursary then this needs to be done before you accept a place at Wandi Nerida.

When can I apply for a Bursary?

Bursary Applications submitted in advance of clinical assessments will only be reviewed once you have been identified as ready for care through the intake assessment process.

When will I find out if I receive a bursary?

You will be notified of the outcome of your Bursary application before a final acceptance of a place at Wandi Nerida is required.

What is a consent to store information form?

Under Australian Privacy Law organisations are required to obtain your consent to collect, use or disclose sensitive personal information. As part of the application process Wandi Nerida will collect sensitive personal information. The consent to store information form allows you to provide you consent for Wandi Nerida to store this information. 

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/your-personal-information/consent-to-the-handling-of-personal-information/

Can I leave overnight and come back before I have been discharged?

Requests for leave during your stay at Wandi Nerida will be considered by your treatment team on a case by case basis. Your treating Psychiatrist will discuss the request with you and your nominated support person and will consider the reasons you have requested an absence from Wandi Nerida and the likely associated risks and benefits of temporarily leaving the facility.

Unauthorised absences during your treatment at Wandi Nerida are not permitted.

What will I eat?

Qualified chefs will work closely with our dietitians to prepare a variety of nutritious meals. We can cater for certain dietary requirements.

How often will I eat?

The program is designed around 3 meals and 3 snacks per day.

What is the staff to client ratio?

As a licensed private mental health (eating disorder specific) facility, you will receive 24/7 care. A minimum of 2 registered nurses will be on site at all times with access to an on call psychiatrist. You will also have access to a sessional psychiatrist and a visiting GP. Other staff on-site include psychologists, dietitians, recovery navigators, exercise physiologists, a yoga coach and a music therapists.