"Poor handling of mental health crisis at RPA emergency department"

My suicidal friend presented at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's emergency department on the recommendation of a mental health crisis team and the situation was poorly handled by the intake staff. We were told that there was no psychiatrists available (apparently this was not the case) and he was told that he could leave if he wished. It might sound like a small thing to say but given that it can take a lot for someone to seek help it should have been dealt with more seriously. People know if they haven't been sectioned that they have the option to leave. I suspect that no one with a physical injury is told that they have the option to leave when they arrive at emergency seeking medical attention.

I called the hospital's patient liaison office and was told that I would receive a call back within a week and it has been 6 weeks and counting with no response.