This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Treatment of a mental health patient"

About: Armadale Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

On my birthday recently, I was extremely suicidal. All I wanted for my birthday was to end my life. I was not able to keep myself safe so decided to go to ED at Armadale Hospital. I lay quietly in my bed often with the sheet over my head. After about 8 hours I got to speak to a Mental Health Nurse. I explained I wanted to crash my car into a tree and all that was going on with me. The Mental Health Nurse rang the Head Psychiatrist, who I believe told them I was not worth treating as I don't stay on my meds. The last ones causing me to lactate was the reason I had to stop. I believe I made it clear I would not be safe. I was unable to control my self-harm urges and I felt rejection from the Hospital would push me over the top. They called the security guards to remove me.

At this time I rang 000 for help. I knew I couldn't keep myself safe. The Nurse returned and said they cancelled my call for assistance. I rang 000 again and was promised I would be seen. The Hospital decided I had to wait outside. They had 2 security guards and 2 police officers dislocate my arm as they dragged me out and threw me on the floor. I was badly bruised and have photos. I rang 000 from the car park screaming they had to help me as I was now in my car and determined to drive into a tree. I went home and self-harmed. I saw 2 GPs the next day for my shoulder dislocation.

Unfortunately for me, I had already had surgery to fix my shoulder several years ago. They reversed the Surgery dislocating my arm. Despite my Mental Illness needing treatment I am no longer able to get treatment due to the rejection from the Hospital and Adult Mental Health Services.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Diane Barr, Executive Director, Armadale Kalamunda Group 4 years ago
Diane Barr
Executive Director,
Armadale Kalamunda Group
Submitted on 11/12/2019 at 6:32 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 12/12/2019 at 9:47 AM


picture of Diane Barr

Dear blueyd53,

I am so very sorry to hear your story. The care you describe is extremely concerning as it certainly does not align with our expectations.

Your feedback has been taken very seriously and has been passed on to the Director of Emergency Medicine and the Director of Mental Health.

I understand you have been in contact with our Consumer Liaison Office today and we are coordinating a meeting to discuss your experience. Thank you for having the courage to pick up the phone and discuss your story and how it impacted on you.

I look forward to meeting you.

Di Barr

Executive Director

Armadale Kalamunda Group

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k