I went into Geraldton Regional Hospital Emergency Department (ED) recently with suicidal ideation and a wound from self-harming. Dr Alan was really good and put me in the Short Stay overnight.
The Consultant Liaison Team (CLT) came up with a plan for me to be discharged into their care when the doctor finished work so I would not be left alone. However, with the change of shift, I was shoved out of Short Stay and taken up to the Ward Discharge Lounge. No one was watching me, let alone knowing I was there.
I texted my spouse to let them know where I was. I felt frightened and neglected. My spouse came up and collected me. They passed the Dr on the way to collect me who thought I was still in Short Stay as per the plan.
If I had not texted my spouse to collect me and I had been alone for 1 1/2 hours, there would have been plenty of opportunity for me to self-harm or act on my suicidal thoughts. Seems to me that some ED staff don’t see mental health issues as real medical problems.
"Uncaring ED Department"
About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department Geraldton Hospital Emergency Department Geraldton 6530
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