Failing People with Mental Health Issues
I was referred to this service by my GP and have contacted them on five separate occasions in an attempt to make an appointment and/or access the service. A day after my third telephone call, I received a letter asking me to contact the service and also threatened me that if I did not contact them they would discharge me. After another two telephone calls an individual finally called me back and stated that they would send me an appointment to assess my mental health needs. Two days later I received yet another letter asking me to contact the service to arrange an appointment and again threatened me with being discharged! It should be noted that whoever answers the telephone requires training on how to handle calls from patients, their attitude is appalling and they evidently have difficulty referring patients to the appropriate members of staff. It is deeply frustrating and disheartening for someone who is in mental health distress. I have already lost confidence in the service and haven't even managed to get an appointment yet!