❓ A Western Australian parliamentary question probes the policy regarding the refusal of admission to suicidal mental health patients, referencing a specific case and seeking clarification on what constitutes 'appropriate and timely care' in such situations. The answer provides a general overview of assessment and management procedures.
AnsweredQoN 5366Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the article 'Suicides Spark Probe' on 6 November 2011 in the
Sunday Times
where South Metropolitan Area Health Services, Mental Health Executive Director Elizabeth Moore is quoted in relation to a 27 year-old patient who committed suicide on 30 April 2011 after being denied treatment at the Fremantle Hospital Alma Street Clinic, that he had received 'appropriate and timely care', and I ask -
(1) What is the policy governing turning away mental health patients who present saying they feel suicidal?
(2) Have any other public hospitals refused to admit mental health patients who present saying they feel suicidal?
(3) If yes to (2), which hospitals?
(4) How does turning away a suicidal mental health patient constitute 'appropriate and timely care'?
Sunday Times
where South Metropolitan Area Health Services, Mental Health Executive Director Elizabeth Moore is quoted in relation to a 27 year-old patient who committed suicide on 30 April 2011 after being denied treatment at the Fremantle Hospital Alma Street Clinic, that he had received 'appropriate and timely care', and I ask -
(1) What is the policy governing turning away mental health patients who present saying they feel suicidal?
(2) Have any other public hospitals refused to admit mental health patients who present saying they feel suicidal?
(3) If yes to (2), which hospitals?
(4) How does turning away a suicidal mental health patient constitute 'appropriate and timely care'?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 June 2012
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
78 days
1) When a patient presents to any pubic health facility a clinical assessment of the patient is made including the risks at the time of the assessment. Further management of the person is defined by the specific issues and may be appropriate in different treatment settings (inpatient, community, home) dependent on patient and carer preference and risks involved.
2) Suicide and self harm thinking is a symptom of varying intensity and in the majority of instances does not lead to a specific behaviour such as an individual taking action to harm or kill themselves. The suicidal thinking may be, for example, part of either an acute or long standing mental illness; a reaction to recent or immediate difficult life circumstances; or possibly associated with acute intoxication or longer term drug and/or alcohol use. The aim of clinical assessment is to understand the context and cause(s) of the symptom; establish the degree of risk (that is likelihood that a person will act out on their thoughts) and identify the course of action best suited for the individual to achieve the best clinical outcome. If it is found, following appropriate assessment, than an individual will or is highly likely to harm themselves they will not be turned away from any hospital.
3) Not applicable.
4) "Appropriate and timely care" of a person presenting acutely with suicidal thinking is a thorough clinical, diagnostic and risk assessment including assessment of personal circumstances such as presence or not of family, carers or other supports and gaining collateral information from families and carers. This assessment should be followed by development of an agreed management plan; (which may or may not include hospital admission depending on individual circumstances); instigation of treatment as necessary and planning treatment follow up if clinically indicated. It should also include an outline of what an individual can do to gain assistance if things get worse.
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2) Suicide and self harm thinking is a symptom of varying intensity and in the majority of instances does not lead to a specific behaviour such as an individual taking action to harm or kill themselves. The suicidal thinking may be, for example, part of either an acute or long standing mental illness; a reaction to recent or immediate difficult life circumstances; or possibly associated with acute intoxication or longer term drug and/or alcohol use. The aim of clinical assessment is to understand the context and cause(s) of the symptom; establish the degree of risk (that is likelihood that a person will act out on their thoughts) and identify the course of action best suited for the individual to achieve the best clinical outcome. If it is found, following appropriate assessment, than an individual will or is highly likely to harm themselves they will not be turned away from any hospital.
3) Not applicable.
4) "Appropriate and timely care" of a person presenting acutely with suicidal thinking is a thorough clinical, diagnostic and risk assessment including assessment of personal circumstances such as presence or not of family, carers or other supports and gaining collateral information from families and carers. This assessment should be followed by development of an agreed management plan; (which may or may not include hospital admission depending on individual circumstances); instigation of treatment as necessary and planning treatment follow up if clinically indicated. It should also include an outline of what an individual can do to gain assistance if things get worse.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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