"Took away epi pen and left me in a room with..."

I am allergic to latex, to the point of anaphalaxis. I also had the misfortune of needing care from the Crisis team at the Becklin Center.

The psychiatrist said I should stay because the unit would be a good place to get some rest.

i arrived on the unit, my belongings were searched, and a nurse took my epi pen. I explained that I was in a new environment, and i could not be sure what was and what was not latex. They said that the psychiatrist said that I had no medical needs and was not on medication. I carry an epi pen with an upto date prescription, its a life saving drug, not a routine medicaton. I did tell the assessing nurse and doctor that I had allergies, and they said they would let the staff know.i arrived and the evening staff knew nothing about my life threatening allergy. Communication was poor.

The nurse on the unit refused to listen, and said my epi pen was a risk to me, I am allergic to latex....this includes the sealant around tap fittings, rubber in some mattresses, the rubber feet under some furniture.

As someone who was suicidal I was feeling fragile. You would not put any other suicidal person in a room with a gun.

I was put in a room with many things that are potentially harmful to me, it was stressful, and knowing my epi pen was near could have helped.

The staff should have been made aware that i have allergies and use epi pens. Risks need to be balanced, epi pens can harm, but so can allergens.

When the doctor did arrive, after I asked to be discharged, they agreed that I could go home. Staff need to asses patient more carefuly, if i could go home I did not need to be admitted, the stress of arguing with the nurses at a time I felt vulnerable was awful