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"Mental health support fail"

About: Midwest Health

(as a service user),

Was referred by my GP to see a psychiatrist. I recall I had to wait 3 weeks for an appointment. I saw the triage psych nurse and got an appointment to see a psychiatrist after 2 weeks. On appointment day, apparently no psychiatrist, so I was seen by another triage psych nurse. I got an appointment with a psychiatrist for a couple of weeks later. I got a call the next day: apparently there was no psychiatrist available until further notice. Based on my experience there was no telehealth offered, no support offered, just referred back to GP with suggestion of medication change.

I feel hopeless, and with zero support. I am thinking this is perhaps why people commit suicide, because there is seemingly no support for them. I am a clinician and overwhelmed by my job, my poor physical health and mental health. Why am I not offered private mental health care in Perth, with PATS support? Why is there only one psychiatrist in the hospital to help? What can I do to get help? I believe this is so unfair, and poor for what I believe is such a wealthy county. I am completely gutted by the lack of care. I do not know how long I will be able to work without help, and that is a huge stressor too.

When one is severely depressed, I’ve found you do not have the energy or drive to advocate for yourself. Just writing this complaint is a huge effort, but I hope some help will be available soon.

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Responses

Response from Neil Dadd, Team Leader CADS, Mental Health, WA Country Health Service Midwest 2 years ago
Neil Dadd
Team Leader CADS, Mental Health,
WA Country Health Service Midwest
Submitted on 21/12/2021 at 10:40 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 10:40 AM


picture of Neil Dadd

Dear oriontp45,

I am deeply concerned to read about the lack of support you experienced in accessing mental health services and thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me - especially during an emotionally vulnerable time. We do not want any of our patients and their families and carers walking away feeling they have not received the care they needed from any of our Health Services and I sincerely apologise regarding the ongoing delays you have experienced in accessing a Psychiatrist.

I would really like the opportunity to meet with you to assist you to access the support you need. My name is Neil and I am the A/Manager Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug service. Your contact is very welcome, and you can call 9956 8676 or email me at Neil.Dadd@health.wa.gov.au.

Our Community Mental Health services operate during business hours from Monday to Friday, though I would like to let you know that our Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service provides access to Mental Health Professionals via Video Conferencing and this service is available 24/7. Patients seeking help from the ED are further supported through a Mental Health Liaison service which operates through to 9:30 pm weekdays.

I would also like to share with you a process we have at the hospital called Aishwarya’s CARE Call. You may notice in our ED, posters about Aishwarya’s CARE Call, which is a 1800 number for patients, carers and families to raise their concerns if they or someone they care for is getting sicker. In the Midwest, no matter what hospital you go to this number is 1800 316 729 or you can find out more here at: WA Country Health Service - Aishwarya’s CARE Call.

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion and I really hope to hear from you soon so we can provide you with the support you require.

Yours sincerely

Neil Dadd

A/ Manager Midwest Mental Health and Community Drug and Alcohol Service

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