"Negative experience with mental health"

My friend had a manic episode which led her to self harm. I contacted 111 on her behalf as she needed treatment to ensure there was no debris and to close the wounds. The call handler dealt with the situation very well and I couldn't of asked for anything more. The charge nurse advised that my friend would require the wounds to be cleaned and looked over. I was then called back from the flow hub where I asked for a telephone consultation from the clinician.

The consultant called and I was asked again what had happened (had this been my friend calling without support or a vulnerable person calling this would be anxiety provoking and stressful due to the number of people it took to get to this stage and repetitiveness). The consultant asked that I text photographs of the wounds to him and stated that he would call back - which I did. The consultant was extremely abrupt and refused to see my friend stating that nothing would be done for 'cosmetic purposes'. Asked a number of questions such as why she had even done this to herself in the first place? Which was extremely upsetting for my friend and I found to be very unprofessional as it did not appear to be understanding of poor mental health and how it can manifest. It was advised that she see her GP, however it was explained that she does not have a GP in Aberdeen as she lives in Glasgow. It was then stated she would need to register as a temporary resident and go from there. For someone who is already experiencing poor mental health and had self-harmed excessively I felt that this was an unacceptable request. In the end I took her to a pharmacy where they contacted the emergency department to state that she needed to be seen as she required stitches.

When we attended the emergency department I could not fault the receptionist or staff nurse, who was so kind and put my friend at ease while being treated. I cant praise them enough for the great provided.