"Seen quickly by very kind and reassuring members..."

What I liked

In September and following the advice of my GP, I turned up at A&E to ask to see the On-duty psychiatrist following what could have been a potential suicide with 200 x 10mg Valium and alcohol. I was nervous, light-headed and distressed. I saw a lady at reception who was friendly, smiling and kind and booked me in. Within 10 minutes I was called into a room to see a nurse. She asked me for an overview of what had happened and took notes. She fitted me with a wristband, left for a few minutes and told me where to wait.

After a half a hour, I was called by a young lady who was the on-duty psychiatrist. She led me to a room and listened to me with great interest for 40 minutes or so. I gave her information on what led up to the suicide, what drove me to it, my medication history, my counseling and psychotherapy history, my support network and my family life and upbringing. She was exactly what I needed at that point in time. I had been already to the Walk-In, to my GP and now at 7pm at A&E. I was distraught and drained but she was exceptionally kind, sensitive, empathic and friendly. I felt very comforted with her demeanor and compassion. She left to speak to her registrar and returned some 20 minutes later. She explained that given my extensive depression and medication history and the urgency of my treatment, I will be seen by a senior psychiatrist. She gave me the number the ACAT team but also offered me the option of staying as an outpatient if I so desired and that everyone is very interested in my case and well-being and should I feel suicidal again, to come back to A&E. She remarked that everyone there was friendly and kind and there to help. I left feeling relieved and soothed and so very grateful for not only the plan of treatment but the warmth and understanding offered by this doctor.