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Eating disorders team

Posted By mars1

"Eating disorders team"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Mental Health Services

(as other),

I went into FSH for refeeding as I was quite unwell at the time, I felt like I was basically neglected for 3 days and deteriorated. It seemed the team didn't coordinate at all and I found one of the doctors was extremely rude and narcissistic insisting I was faking ADHD for weight loss pills, despite being on the one non-stimulant medication, most of the nurses were nice.

I believe the 1:1 specialist was inappropriate and laughed at my condition during an event where I felt like I was basically stripped of human rights. I was discharged due to a traumatic incident that has now given me the fear of any medical or mental health setting or professionals. I feel this could potentially cause problems as if I need help I am now too scared and do not trust any of your staff. Personally, I am fuming because my whole life has blown up and EMDR (trauma therapy) is expensive causing financial stress on me and my family.

I'm disappointed and quite upset with the service. I think nurses and doctors need to be trained in mental health, particularly eating disorders. I felt like I was not treated as a human. I felt I was treated as a problem and dehumanized. I don't think anyone even bothered to check on me when I was upset.

Based on my experience, if you are a young person you may not know your rights, as I didn’t, I believe most parents aren’t aware mechanical restraints still are used and that is a form of legalised abuse, in my opinion. When I was in hospital neither me or my parents knew my rights (right for a second opinion, freedom of communication, access to advocacy services). I think this is crucial for adolescents entering the adult system for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

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Responses

Response from Kellie Blyth, A/ Executive Director, Peel Health Campus transition, South Metropolitan Health Service nearly 2 years ago
Kellie Blyth
A/ Executive Director, Peel Health Campus transition,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 20/09/2022 at 11:30 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 11:30 AM

picture of Kellie Blyth

Dear mars1,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Firstly, I sincerely apologise that your hospital admission was disappointing and that it affected you so negatively. We recognise that how we communicate with our patients can directly impact their experience of care, and the communication you have reported is not in line with our values or expectations. We are continually trying to improve and meet the needs of our patients, and your feedback will help us in our efforts.

Our Consultation Liaison psychiatry team provides a multi-disciplinary approach for patients requiring eating disorder management and treatment on a medical ward. They ensure mental health support is provided via psychiatrists, psychiatric registrars, mental health trained nurses, psychologists and peer support workers, as well as advocacy services. The team also provides patients with information on the Mental Health Act 2014 and the Mental Health Advocacy Service.

All patients receiving psychiatric treatment on medical wards at FSH under the Mental Health Act 2014 are allocated a Mental Health Advocate. The Advocate is required to contact the patient within seven days. We agree that it is crucial that all patients know their rights and make every effort to provide this information and again, I am very sorry this was not your experience.

We have a duty of care, and clear policies, procedures and reporting around the use of restraint. Restraint may only be used to address the risk a person poses to themselves, to others, or to property, and the least restrictive form of restraint must be used.

We make every attempt to involve parents / carers / significant others in treatment and discharge planning, when consent is provided or where guardianship applies. We also recognise the rights of carers and their need for information, both verbal and written. We will review the information provided to patients and carers to ensure it is comprehensive and appropriate.

Once again, thank you for bringing your experience to our attention. Your feedback is valuable, and directly informs the care and treatment we provide. If you would like us to address your concerns more fully, please contact our Patient and Family Liaison team on 6152 4013 or FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au with your details.

Kind regards

Kellie Blyth

Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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