❓ Ljiljanna Ravlich questions the discharge of Michael Thomas from Fremantle Hospital, citing suicide risk and family concerns. Donna Faragher responds, outlining assessments, planned follow-up, and subsequent events, including Thomas going missing and ongoing support for his family.
AnsweredQoN 752Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MICHAEL THOMAS — DISCHARGE FROM FREMANTLE HOSPITAL
I refer to the discharge of Michael Thomas from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011. (1) Why was Mr Thomas discharged from Fremantle Hospital after two days against his family’s wishes, given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm and had a history of attempted suicide? (2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER
I refer to the discharge of Michael Thomas from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011. (1) Why was Mr Thomas discharged from Fremantle Hospital after two days against his family’s wishes, given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm and had a history of attempted suicide? (2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(1) Why was Mr Thomas discharged from Fremantle Hospital after two days against his family’s wishes, given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm and had a history of attempted suicide? (2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(1) Why was Mr Thomas discharged from Fremantle Hospital after two days against his family’s wishes, given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm and had a history of attempted suicide? (2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(2) How was it concluded that given that he was at chronic risk of suicide and/or self harm there was no acute risk at the time and, as such, he would not benefit from a psychiatric admission? (3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(3) Was any post-discharge treatment offered to Mr Thomas; and, if not, why not? (4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(4) If yes to (3), what treatment was offered? Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, I provide the following response — (1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
(1)–(4) Firstly, the minister is concerned to hear that Mr Thomas’s family is still unaware of Mr Thomas’s whereabouts, and the minister can only imagine the distress this is causing them. With regard to Mr Thomas’s discharge from Fremantle Hospital on 2 June 2011, the minister has been advised that Mr Thomas was assessed by members of the mental health multidisciplinary team, to whom he denied any ongoing acute suicidality and gave staff assurances about his safety. Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
Ongoing assessment and support from Mr Thomas’s case manager was offered on discharge, and an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist was booked for 8 June 2011. Mr Thomas contacted his case manager at 10 o’clock on 3 June 2011. Following this contact, an urgent medical review appointment was made for him at 1.30. Mr Thomas’s wife agreed to transport him to the appointment. Mr Thomas’s wife contacted the Alma Street triage at 12.30 to inform them that Mr Thomas had left the family home and had not returned. Mr Thomas’s wife advised that she had contacted the police. The consultant psychiatrist was advised. Later on, the family advised the mental health service that Mr Thomas was listed by the police as a missing person. The community mental health team has contacted Mr Thomas’s wife on a daily basis since Friday, 3 June 2011 and has offered continued support to the family.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.