This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Poor care

Story from nhs.uk

"Poor care"

I visited the Single Point of Access Team (SPA team) for an assessment. I am suicidal, suffer Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have been diagnosed for 3 years and am now 21. I've received help in the past, though in Nottingham rather than Sheffield.

Since moving to Sheffield, my mental health care has been abysmal. Almost non-existent, though frustrating when it is there. In my assessment with the SPA team, I was told that I needed to go to an inpatient hospital immediately. I had to be watched over in the waiting room whilst they held a small staff meeting and made some calls. They came down and told me they had a bed for me tomorrow.

They told me that if I didn't voluntarily enter, they'd have to detain me. They said that if I left the building they'd have to call the police. Yet 5 minutes after they said that, I am walking free. Why? Because after they secured me a bed, they said "do you mind just having a 2 minute chat with the doctor?". I said yes, and it really was 2 minutes. 3 minutes tops, and he'd casually diagnosed me with Depression! He said he'd rather me try anti-depressants.

He said he'd read my file, but if he had he'd know that I have Bipolar. Giving me anti-depressants is a risk that he had not considered, had not spoken to me about and was not going to monitor me for. He also suggested that I eat better and try to get some exercise. I told him that I try everyday, but that I can't (due to me being suicidal). This chat lasts 2 minutes and suddenly I am free!

More about:
nhs.uk logo
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust 5 years ago
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 14/05/2018 at 16:04
Published on Care Opinion on 15/05/2018 at 11:25

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We appreciate feedback in order to develop our services.

The Single Point of Access (SPA) provides a first point of contact for anybody wishing to access mental health services in Sheffield and triages all referrals to determine the need, and urgency, for assessment. SPA is a multi-disciplinary team, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It provides a service to people who are between 16 and 65 years of age, who are registered with a GP practice in the City of Sheffield. SPA works closely with the Out of Hours Team, the Home Treatment Team and partner organisations across the public and private sector to facilitate access to appropriate care, treatment and support.

Each assessment is completed on an individual basis. If based on your presentation a clinician felt that a crisis assessment was required then this must include a holistic assessment of your health and social care needs, social circumstances and available support systems. In particular, crisis assessments should seek to identify any risk of harm to you and/or anybody else. In completing a holistic assessment this often includes discussion and liaison with other professionals. Initially, it may have been assessed that the most appropriate care and treatment that could be provided for you was to be in an inpatient environment however, due to resources that this was only available the following day. However, upon further discussion it may have been assessed that this was not necessary when taking into account all other factors.

The outcome of your assessment should have been made clear to you at the time and the rationale for the final decision explained. We sincerely apologise if this was not the case and are very sorry for any confusion or upset caused.. Outcomes can include signposting, referral to other services or discharge back into the care of your GP. This response is based on the information provided above, however, if you wish to provide further information specific to your experience please do not hesitate to contact SPA on 0114 2263636.

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k