"Care Plan should be done collaboratively"

I found communication with my care co-ordinator was difficult especially when I was unwell. They also gave me very few options of what help I could access in the community while on the waiting list for complex needs service. I was on the waiting list for 11 months. I had never even heard of a care plan in that time and had no idea what to do as I felt a crisis looming. 

I pleaded with them to offer me something to help me and told them I was getting desperate - my care co-ordinator simply said on the phone that their "hands were tied" and "just don't kill yourself". During this time of waiting for CN I experienced a mental health crisis due to feeling completely abandoned and without hope.

I was never told of my position on the Complex Needs waiting list and this added to the feeling of never ending hopelessness in limbo. When I asked to change coordinators I was told there were no others available. I had to fight for a new one. Horrendous.

What should be done?

• Care Plan should be done collaboratively in first meeting with CC.

• More options and treatments in the community should be offered. CC's should be very knowledgeable of what is available.

• Regular feedback sessions for service users.

• More signposting and leaflets readily available for service users.

• Much shorter waiting times for Complex Needs Team and better communication and updates when on waiting list.