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Care Opinion

Relocation of service

Posted By octoberrn44

"Relocation of service"

About: Armadale CAMHS

(as a parent/guardian),

I just wanted to express my disappointment and frustration in regards to my child not being able to attend the Armadale branch of CAMHS for their one-on-one appointments anymore and now having to attend PCH.

I heard that the team have been told they can’t move back into the building as this has been an ongoing issue with the hospital and, in my opinion, it is a real concern that we are not considering the kids who go there and how hard I believe they have made it now for one-on-one appointments.

I believe not all kids and parents are able to travel that far and l believe you have now impacted my child's progress. I feel it is a real concern that we would let this dispute get in the way of children’s mental health and wellbeing. I am really angry that I believe the patients had not been consulted and how am l meant to get my child to these appointments? 

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Responses

Response from Aresh Anwar, Chief Executive, Child and Adolescent Health Service 3 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Aresh Anwar
Chief Executive,
Child and Adolescent Health Service

Submitted on 19/06/2020 at 4:13 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 22/06/2020 at 9:27 AM

picture of Aresh Anwar

Dear octoberrn44,

I am very sorry for the frustration caused by the Armadale CAMHS temporary relocation to PCH. It concerns me to hear you feel this has impacted your child’s progress. If you are comfortable contacting me via phone or email, perhaps we can have a conversation about options for appointments and see how we can get things back on track. Please contact me at camhs.correspondence@health.wa.gov.au or via phone 6389 5800. Telehealth (via video call) is an option that can be useful if travel is a barrier but I acknowledge this option is not for everyone.

I understand how important it is for local young people and their families to have a CAMHS presence in Armadale and totally agree that the team needs to get back into Armadale as soon as possible.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CAMHS had to relinquish the lease at very short notice, so the building could be used for COVID purposes. Sourcing another location for the CAMHS service in Armadale is a top priority and I know the Armadale CAMHS team will be very happy to get back into the local area.

Currently the Armadale CAMHS staff are doing outreach into the Armadale community by visiting schools. Families can elect to have their appointments via telehealth (either phone or video call) if they are comfortable doing so, though this is a personal choice. Face-to-face appointments are important for many young people and I look forward to having some good news about a new home for our Armadale team very soon.

I thank you for advocating for your child and other children and young people in the area who rely on CAMHS services, and look forward to assisting you further.

Your sincerely,

Dr Aresh Anwar

Chief Executive

Child and Adolescent Health Service

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Response from Katie McKenzie, Executive Lead Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service 3 years ago
We have made a change
Katie McKenzie
Executive Lead Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service,
Child and Adolescent Health Service

Submitted on 20/04/2021 at 5:23 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 21/04/2021 at 8:58 AM

picture of Katie McKenzie

Dear octoberrn44,

Thank you for your patience in waiting to hear about a new location for the Armadale Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) team.

I am happy to confirm that a suitable property on Fourth Road in Armadale has now been located and it is anticipated that Armadale CAMHS will move into the new facility in mid-May 2021. This is to allow for the facility to be fitted out and fit for purpose. The facility is centrally located and is opposite the Armadale Shopping Centre, 100 metres from a bus stop and next door to Headspace Armadale.

I would like to take the time to thank you again for providing your feedback on our service as it allows us to continually strive for improvement for our families.

Please accept my best wishes for your child and your family.

Kind regards,

Katie McKenzie

Executive Lead - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Child and Adolescent Health Service

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