"Lack of responsibility in NHS Tayside"

After waiting 18 months from referral I was seen by a neurologist at Ninewells Hospital who referred me to a Neuropsychologist. Without any consultation this Neuropsychologist referred me to the Tayside Adult Psychological Therapy Service and I was seen by a Consultant Psychologist at Murray Royal for six months. This person felt I needed more support and referred me to North Perthshire Community Mental Health team to access the services of a CPN. She also referred me to MAPS in Dundee for ongoing counselling. After waiting 9 months I was seen by the CMHT and told by the Consultant that they 'did not know how to access a CPN' but would refer me to the local Social Work department. After 18 months on the waiting list I finally started counselling sessions with MAPS in Dundee.

I had had no contact from Social Work and, as my physical and mental health were deteriorating, had no option but to call Social Work myself after six months of waiting. My physical health was so bad by this time that I could no longer access medical appointments and required assistance simply getting around.  I was reviewed by Social Work and found eligible for support under their own assessment criteria but the support I actually received was not as discussed, it took many weeks to contact my case worker who agreed that my support was inappropriate and she came to conduct a second review.

Weeks passed and I heard nothing, phone calls were not returned and no appropriate support was in place. I missed several more medical appointments. My support worker announced the end of their contract. Eventually I was told that my case worker had left their post and another was assigned. This person reinstated the inappropriate support, carried out another review and along with my support worker agreed on the type and hours of support I was eligible for. A week later, with no reason given I was told the offer of this support package had been withdrawn. For no reason and with no explanation the ongoing support I had was also withdrawn, six months before it was contracted to end. 

Throughout these months I was misled ignored and left with no appropriate support. My support worker was also misled and ignored. The inconsistency and confusion created throughout this eighteen month period caused severe harm to my mental health and the irresponsible lack of care contributed to my physical decline. Utterly disappointed and worn out from these proceedings I terminated all involvement with local Social Services.

I am physically disabled and autistic with cPTSD, my mental health was so negatively affected by the failings of the CMHT that I can no longer face accessing the support I am legally entitled to.

Having recently read The Independant Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Tayside I wonder what is going to be done to compensate the many service users who suffered, and continue to suffer, from the undeniable failings of the system that was designed to support them.