"Mental health ER requires immediate improvement"

Upon arrival at the emergency department I requested that my relative see someone in the mental health department. I felt the receptionist was extremely supportive and helpful, even providing my relative with a buzzer so they didn’t have to sit in the waiting room until a spot became available. After a few hours, my relative was finally given access to a room within the emergency department’s mental health ward. 

Upon arrival, there was a patient who was quite unstable and being watched by several security officers. We were ushered through the centre of the commotion, feeling quite unsafe, as the security officers were on one side, the distressed patient was on the other, and we were walking in between them. We were then placed in the room next door and asked to sit down.

Inside the room, there was a folded out couch with a sheet covered in some unknown contents from the previous patient. Luckily, the psychologist arrived soon after, and apologised profusely before cleaning the couch herself and wiping it down. She then started to have a conversation with my relative to address their situation.

Whilst my relative was trying to communicate, the patient next door continued to scream abuse, making it difficult for my relative to concentrate and verbalise their concerns. They were also uneasy about being required to stay in what I can only describe as a cell with a fold out chair for a bed. The psychologist agreed that it wouldn’t be the best place for my relative to stay as it was obvious it was not a calming place for someone in their situation and only heightening their anxiety. 

I couldn’t fault the support staff that we encountered, only the facilities that, in my opinion, clearly don’t cater for the diverse range of mental health cases in the emergency department. I was of sound mind visiting the department but felt absolutely terrified being there, so I feel for anyone who is experiencing mental health issues and are required to stay in there to receive the care they require.