"Premature discharge"

I am a consumer advocate and have been asked to upload this story on behalf of a consumer. The consumer told me that they have experienced mental health issues for some time and recently they were feeling very depressed and used alcohol and other drugs in a bid to block out their suffering. In the days that followed, this person's low mood took a dramatic decline, which led them to make an attempt to end their life.  Wanting to receive help, this person presented to Fiona Stanley Hospital where their physical injuries were treated before they were transferred to Bentley Hospital as a mental health inpatient. The patient eventually saw a psychiatrist, but was disappointed that the meeting only lasted for 5 minutes. The patient asked to meet with a social worker, which did not occur. To the patient's surprise, only a few days after admission, they were told they were being discharged. The patient told staff they didn’t feel well enough for discharge, but this didn’t change the decision. Feeling too unwell to leave the hospital alone, the patient's friend agreed to collect them in the afternoon after the friend finished their work shift. The patient was asked to attend their discharge meeting, but upon arriving felt very overwhelmed by the presence a number of staff. Feeling intimidated, patient didn’t enter the room and instead went outside. The patient isn’t sure what was discussed in the meeting and nothing was conveyed to them. Later, the patient told a member staff that they had felt too intimidated by the number of people in the room. To the patient's knowledge, no follow up was arranged post discharge. Despite the patient having already told staff that their friend would arrive after work, the patient recalls the staff were repeatedly asking them to leave. The patient says this left them feeling in the way and pushed out.The patient felt that the discharge was premature given they were still feeling very vulnerable. Soon after discharge, due to feelings of crisis and hopelessness, the patient consumed alcohol and other drugs. The patient says the suicidal thoughts returned and in a bid to get help they presented to Joondalup Health Campus and was admitted as an inpatient for care and treatment for a number of weeks. 

The patient believes that Bentley hospital failed them at a time when within psychological distress.