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Lack of support

Posted By capricornusmb67

"Lack of support"

About: Healthdirect Australia Perth Children's Hospital

(as a relative),

Recently I was alerted by a family member whose child is a teenager with Autism, who had been self harming, (medication and arm cutting) which resulted in an urgent visit to the Perth Children's Hospital and was seen after many hours wait by a Psych team member who seemingly felt the issue was not serious and just an 'Autism thing'. Having an urgent need for assistance I contacted Health Direct and was promised a list of service providers who could assist and these would be sent via SMS to my phone. After a few day and receiving nothing I phoned back and explained that assistance was requested and once again was told at the end of the  conversation they would be delivered via SMS. After a few hours and hearing nothing I emailed respectively for direction and next day received an email saying 

"If you are still concerned  you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14" Not the support we needed was it? with the future a bit gloomy.

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Responses

Response from Sylvia Lennon, Executive Director, CAMHS, Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA about a year and a half ago
Sylvia Lennon
Executive Director, CAMHS,
Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA

Submitted on 7/09/2023 at 4:46 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:57 PM

Dear capricornusmb67

Thank you for sharing your story about your family’s experience at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) Emergency Department (ED).

This must have been a distressing experience for your family member and their teenager and I am very sorry that they did not receive the care, support and reassurance they needed at that time. I would like to look into the issues you raised and assess how we could have better supported them in this situation. If your family member is open to this, it would be appreciated if you could please contact the Consumer Engagement Service on 08 6456 0032 or by email at CAHSfeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

From the information you shared, I understand that this child is autistic and I am sorry that the assessment of the child was managed in a way that was seemingly inconsequential. The Emergency Department (ED) can be an overwhelming place for children and young people, and especially for young people with autism. I would like to assure you that the staff in the Emergency Department have been working with families to minimise distress for patients. Recently, a Neurodiversity Care Plan has been developed and is now offered to all parents of neurodiverse patients attending the ED. The care plan includes a questionnaire with questions around how the child communicates, what they like and dislike, how to examine the child, what helps when they are dysregulated and what strategies have been effective for procedures. I hope that in the future this will prove to be a more compassionate and respectful experience for neurodiverse patients such as your family when attending the ED.

I would also like to advise of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which is available to young people with autism who meet the access criteria. The NDIS provides funding for supports based on a young persons’ needs as they relate to their disability. For support to access the NDIS or review the current NDIS plan in place, the local area coordinator office can be contacted. To find your local office please use the following link: https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/6193/download?attachment

Should your family member need urgent mental health support for their teenager in future, I encourage them to contact CAMHS Crisis Connect on 1800 048 636. This is a free service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides phone and online videocall support for children and young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. CAMHS Crisis Connect also provides advice and support to families, carers, and professionals in the community.

Thank you for taking the time to share your family’s experience and for bringing your concerns to my attention. I do hope that we hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

Sylvia Lennon
Executive Director
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by capricornusmb67 (a relative)

I have the utmost respect and admiration for all the staff at our ED centres.

They really all do a great job under busy and stressful circumstances.

During Covid they carried the country through the darkest of times, and I thank them for this.

I will continue to assist my family and am hopeful of a positive outcome in the future.

Update posted by capricornusmb67 (a relative)

Two weeks ago this child ran away from home and has been living with the parents of a school mate, who were concerned about their health and took them to PMH for assessment. The hospital contacted the child’s parent who explained that the child used social media to say they want to burn their house down and kill themselves, and is attempting self harm. We took the fire issue seriously as the child had been lighting papers in their bedroom and putting online pictures of a burning house. No admittance to the hospital!

The child’s parent is a qualified nurse, I am retired with 20 years experience in this area, so we don’t panic often!

We now feel we have to contact the Minister, someone has to show compassion and urgency in this matter surely.

Response from Simon Davies, Director, Specialised CAMHS, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Child & Adolescent Health Service 14 months ago
Simon Davies
Director, Specialised CAMHS, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services,
Child & Adolescent Health Service

Submitted on 9/01/2024 at 2:02 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:10 PM

Dear capricornusmb67

Thank you for reaching out on Care Opinion to continue to advocate for your family.

This must be a very stressful time for your family and I would like to understand more about the situation. I encourage you or the child’s parent to contact the Child and Family Liaison Service by phone on 08 6456 0032 or by email at CAHSfeedback@health.wa.gov.au so that we can investigate your concerns and offer further support.

I do hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Dr Simon Davies
A/Executive Director
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
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