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Compassionate Care

Posted By Horizon96

"Compassionate Care"

About: Graylands Hospital

(as the patient),

I was treated an involuntary acute patient at Graylands Hospital and spent time in both Ellis and Dorrington wards over a two-month period. It was one of the most difficult times of my life, but I’m incredibly grateful to the staff who treated me with empathy, dignity and patience throughout my experience. 

Their care supported me during a time when I was struggling with reality and not fully aware of my situation. I know now how important that consistent compassion was in helping me stabilise and return to living a normal life. 

I did experience challenges with medication, which made me quite unwell and delayed my recovery. However, as I became more well and aware of my surroundings, I was discharged and transferred to the Hospital in the Home (HiTH) program. 

Being cared for in my own home made a significant difference to my wellbeing and sense of autonomy. Despite the quality of care at Graylands, the environment could be unpredictable and uncomfortable. I truly believe this kind of support represents the future of mental health care.

My experience has shown me how crucial it is to invest more in community-based mental health services not only to support recovery, but to intervene early and help people before they reach a crisis point.

I’m now in a far better place and able to reflect with appreciation for those who walked alongside me in such a vulnerable chapter of my life. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Theresa Marshall, Executive Director, Mental Health, Public Health and Dental Services, North Metropolitan Health Service 2 days ago
Theresa Marshall
Executive Director, Mental Health, Public Health and Dental Services,
North Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 13/06/2025 at 4:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 4:29 PM

Dear Horizon96

Thank you for taking the time to share your reflections on your experience at Graylands Hospital and the Hospital in the Home (HiTH) service.

I am very pleased to hear that you felt supported during a challenging time with your mental health. Your feedback means a great deal to the teams who work tirelessly to provide compassionate support.

Finding the ‘right’ type and dose of medication can take some time, may involve changes and can be impacted by a change in presentation or mental health needs. It is a challenging process and understandably can be upsetting for patients and their family and carers. I commend you for your tenacity and commitment to your mental health.

I agree with you that being cared for in one’s home and community can make a profound difference to wellbeing and recovery. While some people do require care in a clinical environment for more complex mental health illness, expanding access to community-based care is an important focus as we consider the development and innovation in models of care within mental health services. The WA Government is investing in these services and committed to ensuring that they expand whilst maintaining a high standard in, and control over, the quality of care delivered.

Thank you for your thoughtful message and I wish you all the best in your continued recovery.

Kind regards

Dr Theresa Marshall

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