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Can anyone help?

Posted By Flojo

"Can anyone help?"

About: Rockingham General Hospital / Adult and Older Adult Inpatient Mental Health Unit (Closed and Open)

(as a parent/guardian),

Fronted at ED Rockingham hospital one morning a few weeks back. My son mentioned his addiction and was asking for help.  I also had written a note to the nurse that was in charge of taking his particulars, mentioning he was suicidal as well.  There was no one else in the waiting room.  My son, after giving his details, was given diazepam and a script and sent back out the door. Why was there no option for him to be assessed by mental health, he was asking for help just being there.  He has had mental health problems most of his life and when he decides, (which is a big thing) to get help he’s just sent out the bloody door.  I have no faith whatsoever now in this hospital, sending a mentally scared person out the door, with diazepam. I believe his next step, is suicide.  He is going to AA twice a week and has his name down for counselling appointments, but nothing is going quick enough. He needs in house rehab but, alas nothing offered. My rant is now ended.

If anyone can help with getting him into somewhere soon, before we lose him. Thank you

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Responses

Response from Kath Smith, Executive Director, Rockingham Peel Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 5 years ago
Kath Smith
Executive Director, Rockingham Peel Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 28/03/2019 at 5:49 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:49 PM

picture of Kath Smith

Dear Flojo

I am sincerely concerned to hear that your son’s experience did not provide him the help he needed.

Rockingham General Hospital’s Emergency Department have Mental Health Clinicians on site at all times and medical staff are able to refer patients from triage, direct to these clinicians. I would really appreciate it if you may please contact our Consumer Liaison Officers on 9599 4323 to provide the details of the presentation so we can fully review your sons’ presentation, including the assessment process that was followed.

If your son is thinking of serious self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available via the Crisis Care Helpline 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008. Alternatively, your son can contact our Rockingham Community Health Clinic on 9528 0600. People who are at high risk of suicide are prioritised by the Community Clinic.

If there are concerns related to alcohol or other substances, help is also available through South Metro Community Drug and Alcohol Services Rockingham 9550 9200 or Mandurah 9581 4010. The Rockingham Mental Health Clinic also can support your son connect with alcohol and drug services and assist with ensuring both services working together.

Kind regards

Kath Smith

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