"Lack of Care"

After a long 48 hours in Midland Hospital ED a young adult whom I am advocating, and whom is still very mentally unwell was denied Mental Health care. The patient was emaciated, anorexic and dehydrated and was also symptomatic of physical illness. This young person was examined and accepted for admission by the first the Doctor who attended them in ED during the the first day of their presentation at Midland Hospital. This Doctor assessed them to be admitted to the Mental Health Ward as a voluntary patient ASAP. During the next 48 hours and several shift change-overs several other Doctors who examined and agreed with the diagnosis and held this young adult in the ED to wait for an available bed on the Mental Health Ward.

Unfortunately a Nurse I believe to be very unprofessional, discharged this sick young person because they wanted to go outside to get a sandwich, have a smoke and stretch their legs prior to going up to the ward as a bed was becoming available very soon. This patient was well behaved, no sign of aggression and waited patiently in ED this entire 48 hours for a bed because they understood they needed help. This Nurse said the patient would have start over their admission and they were to return to Midland ED for another full Mental Health assessment. Another 48 hours or more wait in uncomfortable surrounds and little food. This is not acceptable medical service of any sick person let alone a very mentally ill person in my opinion.

This person has already tried suicide and their step father earlier this year successfully committed suicide. I am complaining about this dreadful situation of what I believe to be unprofessional and inexperienced behavior of this nursing staff member that day and the blatant refusal to admit a patient when the Doctor had admitted the patient. Nurses cannot refuse a Doctors order to admit a patient. I believe this needs to be addressed immediately and no excuses made or lies told by this Nurse at Midland ED. They were a young nurse and, I felt, very aggressive, rude and uncaring especially in such a difficult situation.

Where do patients go that are this unwell? I would like an immediate reply so we can put alternative care in to place as I believe the family is at breaking point and other children are in danger from the situation. A single parent cannot provide care for this young person and their erratic behavior.