North-West man forced to wait four days to see mental health specialist

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propertyHome/News/HealthNorth-West man forced to wait four days to see mental health specialistSMBy Simon McGuireUpdated August 16 2022 - 7:21am, first published August 15 2022 - 9:16pmBy

Simon McGuireUpdated August 16 2022 - 7:21am, first published August 15 2022 - 9:16pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyLong wait for mental health help for Coastal man after presenting to

emergency department A North-West woman has spoken of her anguish over the level of care her partner received while seeking urgent mental health help in the public hospital system.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue A Coastal resident, who

wished to remain anonymous, said her partner presented to the Emergency Department at the North West Regional Hospital on Thursday at about 10pm.

"Prior to that, we called through to the Spencer Clinic to make sure that there would be a psychiatrist available for them to see, and as part of that, he had to go through emergency to be

assessed by a doctor who would then refer him to the CATT [Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team].

"But the CATT team never came.

"He sat there for over four hours until a nurse came over with a Lifeline card and told them to go home and someone will call him in 24 hours to call the lifeline number if they were in

trouble."

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The man did not receive the phone call until Monday morning, four days after they had gone to the emergency department.

During that time, the man's partner called the Department of Health complaints line.

"He's been screaming out for help. Nobody's heard him. Nobody will listen.

Premier, Health Minister, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff "It's taken four days. He could have been dead three days ago.

"He is lucky that he has family to help them."

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Department of Health secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said emergency department mental health patients were treated on a case-to-case basis.

"Anyone presenting to our emergency departments with mental health concerns will be assessed and treated as per the outcome of the assessment.

"This may include being admitted if specialist mental health services are required.

"Not all consumers will be admitted.

"Only consumers assessed as being of high acuity or in need of specialised services are admitted.

"Consumers may be referred to other appropriate outpatient mental health services in the community."

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Premier, Health Minister, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was committed to improving the sector.

"Improving access to mental health services and supports for Tasmanians is an absolute priority for this government, wherever they are across the state.

"We have invested significantly in this area and will continue to invest to deliver the services and care Tasmanians need, including in the North-West, as we know that this investment will

help Tasmanians live a happy and fulfilling life."

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopySMSimon McGuireJournalistI'm a passionate reporter covering all things North-West. Got a story idea? Contact me on 0439 660 724 or

[email protected]'m a passionate reporter covering all things North-West. Got a story idea? Contact me on 0439 660 724 or [email protected]

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