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"Not ill enough for Complex Needs, too ill for DAS"

About: Depression and Anxiety Service (IAPT) Devon Partnership NHS Trust / Adult mental health

(as a service user),

I have been receiving treatment for a diagnosed personality disorder for several years, and regularly find myself stuck between being not ill enough for Complex Needs Services, but too ill for the Depression and Anxiety Services or Psychiatric Liaison/Crisis Services. 

This puts me in a complex place, of desperately needing treatment for a disorder but finding none available because of the gap between complex and minor mental illnesses. 

I have also tried a number of self referral services, including the DAS Service for the sole purpose of treating my panic attacks in the work place. However I have found that as soon as my diagnosis is brought up I am refused treatment on this basis of being "too complex" despite emphasising I only want to access a very specific treatment for a specific ailment.

Additionally, I have tried to access the Devon Learning Recovery College/Courses on a number of occasions and am always told their waiting list is long and that I should try again in the next semester. I have now been trying to access these services for almost 2 years, and am constantly put to the end of the waiting list, where as people I know who want to access the same course have been able to simply turn up on the day and receive access.

I find this increasingly frustrating and puts my safety at risk. As I can not get access to services when I require them and am expected to simply remain unwell enough for the sufficent length of time to deem me "severe" and gain inpatient treatment.

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Responses

Response from Ruth McClelland, Communications & Engagement Officer, Devon Partnership NHS Trust 6 years ago
Ruth McClelland
Communications & Engagement Officer,
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Submitted on 05/02/2018 at 10:23
Published on Care Opinion at 11:57


We are so sorry to hear of the difficulties you are experiencing in accessing appropriate treatment and will be sharing your feedback with the managers of the services you mention. Would you be willing to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to discuss these issues with them? We would like to try to find some support for you moving forward. You can contact them on Freephone 0800 073 0741 or by email dpn-tr.pals@nhs.net With regard to the Devon Recovery Learning Community courses, we understand that booking works on a first come first served basis. Again, we will share your feedback about trying to book a course with the DRLC manager. Thanks for taking the time to leave your comments here. With best wishes.

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