"Refusal/incorrect assessment process?"

Hi, I work for a Health Service and we refer our clients to the necessary departments/agencies that specialise in the care that is needed for them.

Recently, I and our Senior Social Worker had the pleasure of assisting in counselling and informing a client on pathways (referrals) that can or may improve their mental health, physical health and lessen the impact of drugs on their life. the client gave the SSW verbal consent to enter the DETOX program that is available at AHC and CMH. The SSW contacted AHC ED, explained the client's current situation and they "consented" to Detox. The client was then transported to Community Mental Health, where they were met outside by an on call MH SW, they explained that their process (CMH) is for the client to come through AHC ED, so the client was taken to Emergency Department. The CMH SW meet the client there and once the client was screened and allowed to enter ED, the CHM SW left and I left thinking that the client is finally going to get help.

Then two hours later, I receive a call from AHC ED stating that the client had been assessed and no mental health issue's and they had no medical injuries therefore we had to come pick them up, as they were being released. By the time I got there, the client was walking (limping) down the road.

I stated that the client agreed to being in the DETOX program through CMH.

I recall a clinician stated that the client said no.

I spoke to the client and they said they thought they were doing the DETOX?

The clinician stated the client has no mental health issues or medical injuries, a doctor has discharged them, the hospital was busy, they need the bed, the client has to leave.

I found the clinician abrupt, rude and uncompassionate in my opinion. This client has been to ED numerous times in the last few months, so to get them to consent to the Detox program was a win for them and the services/agencies that deal with our clients that are struggling with drug use and mental health because it seems there is the belief that the two don't coincide together.