Reader overjoyed following Newsport story reaction, potential developments regarding mental health resources
UPDATE
A great follow up to an exclusive story Newsport brought to you a few weeks ago regarding the perceived lack of assistance provided to patients presenting to Mossman mental health at Mossman Hospital.
Back on August 1 Douglas Shire resident Bree Richmond, publicly opened up, describing concerns around her perceived efforts to seek and attain proper treatment for her matters at Mossman Hospital.
“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 of self-help, counselling and medication,” she told Newsport just weeks’ ago.
“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.”
On the back of Newsport highlighting and outlining Ms Richmond’s story – now, a timely update.
“I would love you to do an update on this (Newsport mental health story regarding Bree from August 1),” Bree started her message.
“The feedback I have received from so many people, far and wide (and) personal messages (from) people that I do not even know approaching me to thank me for being so brave, putting my name to the story and telling my story, this has made me feel so strong and empowered.
“I have (recently) been informed by a staff member at Mossman Hospital, that they have now been assigned a mental health doctor two days a week and they are hoping to eventually have a mental health ward at Mossman hospital.”
Meantime, in separate matters Ms Richmond has also taken the opportunity to create a GoFundMe page for a loved pooch that needs a little helping hand from the kind folk around the Douglas Shire.
If you can assist Spike’s health battle please visit www.gofundme.com/f/qky78w-please-help-spike
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