I am a psychiatric patient under the care of Ealing North MINT. I last saw my Dr at the beginning of July upon which changes were made to both of my meds, which has been an incredibly difficult transition. Yet I have been receiving zero help in terms of aftercare since. They just give you a new prescription and wish you good luck for the next few months. But I digress:
I have explained to the people operating this Clinic (including my Doctor and both the Leads) on multiple occasions the grounds on which I am seeking to be assigned a Care Co-ordinator, amongst which are:
- Utter and complete loneliness and social anxiety/isolation (Aim: Social Re-engagement / Re-integration)
- Self-harming tendencies - as per evident on my face and arms - and ongoing suicidal ideation (Aim: Risk Assessment / Harm Prevention)
- A need for conduction of regular welfare checks on me due to severe depressive behaviour (Aim: Ditto)
Yet I continue being told that my reasons are not particularly SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) enough. I respectfully disagree!
Meanwhile, the receptionists I have spoken to, answering the Ealing North MINT phone seem to have formed a peculiarly comfortable habit of saying that they will -sort everything out and get back to me. Unfortunately, not once have I heard back from them throughout the months of calling that phone number, which I find entirely disheartening, unkind and patronising, to say the least. Today, I managed to get through to someone again, who said if the Leads wish to respond to my latest written complaint sent at end of July then they will; Otherwise, it means my complaint is 'invalid'! I mean, what?!
Even in case if an official decision has been made to deny me access to a Care Co-ordinator, I would like to think that I deserve to receive a response outlining the reason(s) why, along with specific instructions regarding how to formally challenge the decision. But to continue ignoring in full the needs of an emotionally fragile psychiatric patient who has tried to reach out to the Service in every fathomable way is simply unacceptable.
Although I am dealing simultaneously with multiple other chronic health issues (I am physically disabled), I shall make sure to defend to death my right as a British citizen to receive a dignified Psychiatric care moving forward. I am sincerely hoping that someone from the Patient Experience Team will respond to this posting with a way forward.
"Denied Access to a Psychiatric Care Co-ordinator"
About: Ealing Ealing UB1 3EU
Posted by Dead Man Walking (as ),
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