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Uncaring ED Department

Posted By Computer says no

"Uncaring ED Department"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I went into Geraldton Regional Hospital Emergency Department (ED) recently with suicidal ideation and a wound from self-harming. Dr Alan was really good and put me in the Short Stay overnight.

The Consultant Liaison Team (CLT) came up with a plan for me to be discharged into their care when the doctor finished work so I would not be left alone. However, with the change of shift, I was shoved out of Short Stay and taken up to the Ward Discharge Lounge. No one was watching me, let alone knowing I was there.

I texted my spouse to let them know where I was. I felt frightened and neglected. My spouse came up and collected me. They passed the Dr on the way to collect me who thought I was still in Short Stay as per the plan.

If I had not texted my spouse to collect me and I had been alone for 1 1/2 hours, there would have been plenty of opportunity for me to self-harm or act on my suicidal thoughts. Seems to me that some ED staff don’t see mental health issues as real medical problems.

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Responses

Response from Liz Kelly, A/Coordinator Executive Services, WA Country Health Service Midwest 4 years ago
Liz Kelly
A/Coordinator Executive Services,
WA Country Health Service Midwest

Submitted on 22/10/2019 at 4:04 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:05 PM

picture of Liz Kelly

Dear Computer says no,

I was very concerned to read your story about the care you received at Geraldton Hospital recently and I am sorry that you felt frightened and neglected. This care is not reflective of the standard of care we aim to provide to people or the WACHS values of compassion and quality.

We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to investigate your complaint, however we need you to contact us so that we can do this. If you are willing to do this, please contact Kaylene Tomkins, A/Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital on 9956 2403 or email kaylene.tomkins@health.wa.gov.au. Alternatively you can contact me on 9956 2291 or email liz.kelly@health.wa.gov.au. Your call or email would be very welcome and can still be addressed anonymously if you wish.

Regardless of whether your complaint is investigated any further can I please assure you that your feedback is valued and will be used to help us continually improve our services for the community. It has been raised with our staff in the Emergency Department and Mental Health Service so they can discuss your experience to consider how they can ensure all our mental health clients feel safe and supported.

Thank you for taking the time to write your story and will also ensure Dr Alan knows that his care was helpful for you. I hope that Betty or I will hear from your soon and that you are beginning to feel better.

Kind Regards,

Liz

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