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"Lack of contact from new case manager"

About: Bentley Mental Health Services

(as a service user),

I have had an excellent and therapeutic relationship with a previous case manager (mental health nurse) for a couple of years but unfortunately, they have sidestepped into another position within the health service. This required the engagement of a new case manager recently. In this time, I have only spoken to them once over the phone. They have called me 3 times and left me one SMS text. I have called them 4 times, with 2 of these calls requesting an urgent call back for one occasion of extreme distress and another to ask for urgent assistance with a medication issue. At no time did I receive a return call for either of these occasions. 

I recently received a call to touch base and see how I was doing. I have been struggling a lot with the required isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic and the removal of all my activities and programs that helped me sustain a meaningful existence and gave me a purpose and instilled some hope for returning to a more stable life and recovery from the mental illnesses, that I have been dealing with for the last 5 years. I also have had to deal with a young pet who was very unwell and had to make a difficult decision to euthanise him.

So essentially, I believe I have had limited support in the last 6 weeks, despite reaching out for support, which I have never found easy at any time to do. I have felt abandoned, invisible and forgotten. When I asked what I expected from the Community Treatment Team (in the most recent phone call I received) I said a phone call at least once a week would have been appreciated as well as a timely response to my urgent requests. I have been offered the option of a new case manager, however, I have refused this, as I feel this experience has left me so disappointed and I don't trust another health professional will treat me right or as expected.

I feel my only option is to be discharged from the service. This also means I lose my psychiatrist at the same time.

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Responses

Response from Lesley Bennett, Chief Executive, East Metropolitan Health Service 3 years ago
Lesley Bennett
Chief Executive,
East Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 7/05/2020 at 12:25 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 12:52 PM


picture of Lesley Bennett

Dear ophiuchustb83,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us regarding your recent difficulties in engaging with your new case worker. Whilst I am pleased you advise of a very positive therapeutic relationship with a previous case manager, I am truly sorry to hear you feel abandoned, invisible and forgotten with limited support by your current case manager.

I was also saddened to hear you were struggling with the required isolation associated with coronavirus and for the loss of your dear pet. I can appreciate this has been a very distressing period for you.

I am very concerned that you feel your only option is to discharge from our service. I regret that your recent interactions with the Bentley Health Service (BHS) Clinical Treatment Team (CTT) have left you feeling disappointed and it is important that we work with you to ensure you receive the support you need moving forward.

I would strongly encourage you to contact the Consultant Psychologist that oversees BHS CTT Dr Eileen Tay directly on 9416 3800 to discuss your concerns and to ensure you receive the ongoing support you may need. Alternatively, if you would prefer you could contact the Royal Perth Bentley Group (RPBG) Consumer Engagement on 9224 1637, 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday or email RPBG.Feedback@health.wa.gov.au to discuss your concerns.

I hope we can rebuild your trust in our service. Please accept my best wishes for your ongoing recovery.

Kind regards

Dr Lesley Bennett

Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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