TASMANIANS at high risk of suicide are being denied access to hospital, the state government has been told. A report by the Department of Health and Human Services, involving evidence from hundreds of stakeholders, described the refusals as the most frustrating, frightening and emotional experiences carers were forced to endure. ''The consultation related to their family member either not being admitted, or discharged as an inpatient, despite articulating suicidal intentions or thoughts or suicide attempts,'' the report said. ''In particular, stakeholders were concerned that there were no alternative options for support available if a person in these circumstances was refused admission.'' Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the damning report confirmed Tasmania's mental health services and systems were broken. ''Stakeholders see a range of opportunities but there is also an array of stakeholder concerns around our mental health system,'' Mr Ferguson said. ''The government will now consider all of the issues raised in the review report and will deliver a long-term plan for mental health, which will be released during Mental Health Week in October.'' Also raised in the report was a lack of access to after-hours support. ''Many carers were concerned at the lack of after-hours support available, particularly in times of distress,'' the report said. Young people spoke of the need for more information about where to find help early for mental health issues. The report's authors acknowledging many young people left things until they reached crisis or emergency levels. A lack of direction for discharged mental health patients was also thrust under the microscope. ''Across the state consumers said it is common for people to be discharged without being allocated a case manager, with no or inappropriate accommodation and/or support options,'' the report said. ''Consumers also highlighted the lack of availability of psychiatrists once discharge from hospital.'' Stakeholders also spoke of: DELAYS accessing psychiatrists was resulting in a worsening state of mental health for some patients; INCONSISTENT treatment resulting in changes in medication and escalation of illnesses; INABILITY accessing support after being discharged from hospital; EMPLOYMENT agencies poorly informed about the needs of people with mental illness; HOSPITAL staff showing a lack of respect, empathy and compassion; CARERS describing a culture of ''shutting out'' family members of mental health patients. ■ If you need help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Lifelink Samaritans on 1300 364 566, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.
TASMANIANS at high risk of suicide are being denied access to hospital, the state government has been told.
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services, involving evidence from hundreds of stakeholders, described the refusals as the most frustrating, frightening and emotional experiences carers were forced to endure.
''The consultation related to their family member either not being admitted, or discharged as an inpatient, despite articulating suicidal intentions or thoughts or suicide attempts,'' the report said.
''In particular, stakeholders were concerned that there were no alternative options for support available if a person in these circumstances was refused admission.''
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the damning report confirmed Tasmania's mental health services and systems were broken.
''Stakeholders see a range of opportunities but there is also an array of stakeholder concerns around our mental health system,'' Mr Ferguson said.
''The government will now consider all of the issues raised in the review report and will deliver a long-term plan for mental health, which will be released during Mental Health Week in October.''
Also raised in the report was a lack of access to after-hours support.
''Many carers were concerned at the lack of after-hours support available, particularly in times of distress,'' the report said.
Young people spoke of the need for more information about where to find help early for mental health issues.
The report's authors acknowledging many young people left things until they reached crisis or emergency levels.
A lack of direction for discharged mental health patients was also thrust under the microscope.
''Across the state consumers said it is common for people to be discharged without being allocated a case manager, with no or inappropriate accommodation and/or support options,'' the report said.
''Consumers also highlighted the lack of availability of psychiatrists once discharge from hospital.''
Stakeholders also spoke of:
DELAYS accessing psychiatrists was resulting in a worsening state of mental health for some patients;
INCONSISTENT treatment resulting in changes in medication and escalation of illnesses;
INABILITY accessing support after being discharged from hospital;
EMPLOYMENT agencies poorly informed about the needs of people with mental illness;
HOSPITAL staff showing a lack of respect, empathy and compassion;
CARERS describing a culture of ''shutting out'' family members of mental health patients.
■ If you need help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Lifelink Samaritans on 1300 364 566, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.
