My mother is the carer for my terminally ill father. They don't have a lot and can't afford private assistance, private counselling or regular GP appointments. Even with support, things can occasionally get to be too much for her and getting in to see her GP can be difficult when appointments aren't available for a couple of days, even when stating it is urgent. Feeling rather overwhelmed one morning, and not feeling like she could cope anymore and yet not wanting to burden the Emergency Department as she felt it wasn't an emergency situation, my mother presented to the Mental Health Unit at the Hospital asking to speak with someone. My mother was met by an unhelpful, abrupt receptionist that stated the next available appointment would be in 3 weeks time. Is there not a Mental Health Triage Nurse or process whereby someone clinical is trained to assess a situation and make recommendations? Even if the Triage Nurse was busy with someone at the time, my mother would have been happy to wait, for even a brief assessment. But having someone clerical determine my mother's feelings weren't important and not acknowledging the situation she was in, compounded the issue and my mother left crying and more upset than she already was. Thankfully my mother has improved, however it was a difficult time thinking there was nowhere she could turn just to have someone listen to her and help her mental stability.
"Tried to do the right thing and not go to Emergency"
About: Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service Geraldton 6530
Posted by Coffee Cup (as ),
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