I visited the Single Point of Access Team (SPA team) for an assessment. I am suicidal, suffer Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have been diagnosed for 3 years and am now 21. I've received help in the past, though in Nottingham rather than Sheffield.
Since moving to Sheffield, my mental health care has been abysmal. Almost non-existent, though frustrating when it is there. In my assessment with the SPA team, I was told that I needed to go to an inpatient hospital immediately. I had to be watched over in the waiting room whilst they held a small staff meeting and made some calls. They came down and told me they had a bed for me tomorrow.
They told me that if I didn't voluntarily enter, they'd have to detain me. They said that if I left the building they'd have to call the police. Yet 5 minutes after they said that, I am walking free. Why? Because after they secured me a bed, they said "do you mind just having a 2 minute chat with the doctor?". I said yes, and it really was 2 minutes. 3 minutes tops, and he'd casually diagnosed me with Depression! He said he'd rather me try anti-depressants.
He said he'd read my file, but if he had he'd know that I have Bipolar. Giving me anti-depressants is a risk that he had not considered, had not spoken to me about and was not going to monitor me for. He also suggested that I eat better and try to get some exercise. I told him that I try everyday, but that I can't (due to me being suicidal). This chat lasts 2 minutes and suddenly I am free!
"Poor care"
Posted via nhs.uk
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