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Mental Health care

Posted By merry47

"Mental Health care"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

My teenage relative has presented to Geraldton Regional hospital twice recently with suicidal issues. 

The first time they were seen by the doctor in emergency, admitted to the ward and in the morning was seen by a mental health practitioner who discharged them with no follow-up. 

The next day, they presented to GRH emergency having cut themselves badly on both arms and legs. This time, they were given a medication and told to take when they were anxious, not, I feel, the best idea for a drug-dependent child, and to see mental health today.

My relative has now been to mental health and was told they have to see a GP for further medication. No follow up was suggested. They are unable to get a GP appointment for at least 10 days.

In my opinion, the lack of treatment and follow-up for this young person is disgraceful. They live on their own and tell me that they admitted to the doctors of their drug use. 

Where is the care? I would have thought that a suicidal teen should have been admitted for at least 36-72 hrs for assessment and follow up.

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Responses

Response from Jamie Robson, A/Manager MMH&CADS, WA Country Health Service 3 years ago
Jamie Robson
A/Manager MMH&CADS,
WA Country Health Service

Submitted on 15/02/2021 at 3:53 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:53 PM

Dear merry47,

Thank you for taking the time to share your relative’s experience of their care at Geraldton Hospital and with Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service (MMH&CADS).

My name is Jamie Robson and I am the manager of MMH&CADS. On behalf of the Geraldton Hospital and my team, I would like to say how sorry I am to learn of the difficulties your relative has experienced and the distress they have felt in trying to access appropriate help and support.

I am very appreciative that you have contacted us and I hope that we can work together to address the needs of your family and have further discussions about your relative’s experiences, including those in the Geraldton Hospital Emergency Department.

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that should patients and their families feel any concerns with their healthcare are not being heard through talking to their caregivers or senior staff we have an additional option for patients and their families to escalate any concerns they might have. The Call and Respond Early (CARE) call process enables people to request urgent assistance when they are concerned. When a CARE Call is made, a senior staff member listens to the person making the call and makes a full assessment of the patient’s situation. The senior staff member then liaises with the treating team and other health care providers as required. The CARE call phone number is 1800 316 729 and if you would like further information about CARE Call, please visit the WACHS Website at http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=970

Thank you again for taking the time to raise this issue. I want to give you assurance that your experience and the feedback you have shared with us will help us improve the care we provide to people living in our community.

Yours sincerely,

Jamie Robson

Regional Manager

Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service

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