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"Extremely depressed and told to wait two weeks for treatment"

About: GPs in the McMillan Electoral District West Gippsland Healthcare Group

(as the patient),

I recently experienced a severe episode of clinical depression and organised an appointment with the Community Mental Health Service at West Gippsland Healthcare Group in Warragul. 

During my appointment the staff member I saw showed little empathy for my condition, she asked me questions I had already told the intake worker on the phone, and told me there was nothing she could do for me as I needed medication. She then told me it would be 2 weeks until I could see the psychiatrist who works there and when I seemed upset she told me that is wasn't her fault and that they don't receive much funding so the doctor is booked up.

It was appalling and it was lucky that I wasn't suicidal that day as I left the room with a feeling of intense hopelessness. 

In desperation I was able to search on google and find a service online who organise video calls with psychiatrists....I was able to get in within 2 days  and had the call at my local GP clinic, this is what saved my life. How was this option not pointed out to me?


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