"Dangerously low standards"

I was referred to the Maidstone CMHT by my GP after recently slipping back into an episode of severe depression and anxiety. After an assessment with a social worker who admitted no medical qualifications I was told I would be contacted within 2 days as the clinical team only meets one day a week.

I received no response at all and followed up again the week after to be advised that it was still being assessed and I would hear back by the end of the week. They didn't.

I was left completely in the dark and not followed up with, at a time when I had clearly stated to them that I had made previous suicide attempts and had been thinking about suicide on a daily basis. This is completely unacceptable and dangerous considering the vulnerability of the clients that are supposed to be in their care.

Eventually I received a brief call from them because they were advised by Kent Police that someone had rang them with concerns for my welfare. I was extremely angry and told them if they were concerned about my welfare they should have had the decency to follow up from my assessment. The person on the phone said that she did not have to put up with being spoken to like that and the call ended!

Since that time I raised a complaint via the standard NHS procedure and to team directly, and Maidstone CMHT have still not had the decency to even acknowledge or reply (the NHS PALS team have in fairness to them). Maidstone CMHT simply do not care.

I've yet to find out the reasons for the appalling standards, and I can appreciate that some of the issues relating to mental health provisions are outside of the control of the NHS, but the team could take a number of very simple and achievable steps (such as communicating with clients) that would go a long way to helping vulnerable people in very desperate situations.

I firmly believe that it is only a matter of time before someone takes their life as a result of this team's failings, if that has not happened already. Judging by my own experience, conversations with my GP, and from reading the reviews here, it is plainly obvious that Maidstone CMHT is being mismanaged and needs urgent attention. I really feel for any poor soul who has to rely on these people for their mental health "care" because they will not receive any.

For the person who replies to these reviews. I understand you have an internal policy to respond in a certain way, but I think we would all appreciate evidence of improvement rather than apologies. Have you ever been in a situation where you're constantly battling your own thoughts to kill/harm yourself? Put yourself in those shoes. People don't need apologies, they need help.