LET DOWN BY THE SYSTEM: Local mum reveals she might not be alive if not for friends and family
RAW ACCOUNT
THE STORY
A woman who has called the Douglas Shire home for 23 years insists she "might not be alive" if not for the love of family and friends amidst claims local mental health facilities and treatment options at Mossman Hospital remain in complete dire straits.
Having read Newsport’s latest story just days ago about the perceived poor state of mental health facilities in the Douglas Shire the brave mental health patient is adamant more needs to be done, locally, to help those that present with highly concerning mental health thoughts.
Bree Richmond, who gave Newsport full and total consent, blessing/permission to use her name with this story said a recent, personal scenario in which she sought urgent mental health assistance left her feeling highly vulnerable, unassisted in her time of need.
“I was diagnosed in 2013 with some mental health issues and more recently I have relapsed several years after managing my condition through a range self-help, counselling and medication,” a raw and honest Ms Richmond revealed to Newsport.
“When I (recently) relapsed and reached out for the support after being referred by Mossman Hospital emergency department to Mossman mental heath, I (felt I) was sadly let down by the system, with appointments being cancelled, no follow up phone calls from them, me ringing and asking for help with no response and then being told to present to the emergency department.
“Withholding the medication that was prescribed for me and only after massive attempts of pleading for help, (did) they give me 10 days’ worth of medication and were going to review in a weeks’ time.
“They then (allegedly) cancelled my appointment due to lack of staff. This medication states clearly on the box to not stop taking this medication suddenly, but I was left with nothing.
“Respectfully, I want to say because I am still functioning, running a household, being a mum and being able to uphold my job throughout all of this, I feel like I was not taken seriously by the mental health team; do I need to be laying on the ground kicking, screaming and spitting at Police officers to receive the help I require?
“Back in 2013, (experts at) Mossman mental health saved my life, they were caring, helpful and understanding, so it was very comforting knowing I had professional help available.
“Well, this was not the case this time, I was left feeling very alone, judged and had no support.
“In saying what I have, I do want to clearly add that the support I received from the staff and doctors in the emergency department at Mossman hospital was outstanding.”
SYSTEM FAILING
The working mother of one believes the perceived, faltering system needs urgent attention.
“This town has grown a lot in the 23 years I have lived here, there is not enough support due to (a) lack of staffing (and) due to the increase of people now living in the shire requiring support from mental health and ATODS.
“The whole system in mental health is failing the community due to (a) lack of compassion, understanding and care and relying on the 1300 number to save lives.
“It’s also failing (because the appropriate staffers are not in Bree’s opinion) taking the time to educate themselves on clients’ previous records and showing little to no care or compassion in understanding how hard it is to reach out for help in the first place.”
POTENTIAL TREATMENT BLUEPRINT
The courageous local believes she has the start of a workable blueprint that could and should be adopted when communicating, helping those presenting with mental health related issues.
“(I’d recommend) listening to their clients, add more staff (and, or) refer to other clinics if they are so understaffed,” she suggested.
“And, treat every person that arrives on their door step with respect and compassion. Noone’s stories and mental state is the same as the next person, take the time to listen without judgment and provide the help, support and medication to those in need.
“More (more) privacy in this clinic would be highly recommended as well.”
FINAL REFLECTONS
Ms Richmond was very open and frank about the impact her family continues to have on her life.
“I am one of the very few that lives in Far North Qld that has a loving family close by, a supportive son and good friends that take the time to understand me and that is the only reason I am alive today.
“I am very lucky to have the support of my local GP, helping and guiding me.”
As part of this story Newsport reached out to Cairns and Hinterland Hospital Health Service for comment.
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CAIRNS AND HINTERLAND HOSPITAL HEALTH SERVICE STATEMENT
Their full statement via a comment from a spokesperson is below:
"Our team of health professionals are trained to deliver treatment and support in a compassionate manner.
Recent staff sick leave at Mossman Hospital has resulted in some clients being allocated a different case manager. All mental health clients have an allocated clinician.
Mental health workers are conscious that asking a consumer to recount the issues that are causing them to seek treatment can be distressing, however, this is common practice to confirm the consumer’s background and to determine if key concerns have changed, so treatment can be adjusted.
Although the consumer has previously received mental health care from our service, this is currently not the case.
Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing for all Queenslanders continues to be a priority for Queensland Health, as reflected in the updated strategic plan, Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2023–2028, released recently.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service provides mental health services primarily in the acute mental health sector, but there are many other providers also working to prevent suicide in Far North Queensland.
This reflects that suicide is not just a health issue; it is a whole of community issue. As individuals, we all have a role to play in checking if someone is OK.
If you or someone you know is in danger, ring 000 (triple 0) or call 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 2255) for a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders."
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IMPORTANT
*Newsport completely and respectfully understands the vulnerable/sensitive nature of this story and for this reason we doubled/triple checked, verbally through Bree, to ensure we had full permission, authority to use her name in this story.
In addition, Newsport understands a story like this could be triggering for current, or previous mental health patients and we unreservedly apologise in advance, if the contents or descriptions in this story upsets or causes distress to any individual.
Finally, Newsport also sought, and gained full permission from Bree to use the attached image/picture in this story.
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