Mental health support too late
THIS former soldier was referred by his GP for mental health care, waited several months, then was told mental health services could not help him and to go back to his GP as a result. So he was feeling desperate, the police got involved and he ended up being sentenced to five months and two weeks in jail. But ‘he is now being assessed by mental health services’. Why did they not assess him after his first GP referral – which may have avoided the police involvement and jail term?
NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD
Editor’s footnote: a spokesman for HSC replies:
Unfortunately, HSC is unable to comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality as well as primary legislation that exists to protect sensitive personal data.
Primary and secondary care work hard to support people suffering from poor mental health or illness, as do a number of other government agencies and the third sector. Regrettably, some people suffer from very complex conditions that are exceptionally difficult to effectively support. HSC is constantly looking to improve the services and the help provided to these who are mentally ill, but recognises this is not enough and will be prioritising work with other stakeholders across government and outside to find better ways to support those who are struggling to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
What is also important is to prevent poor mental health.
With that in mind, HSC would like to take this opportunity to endorse the recent Meet your Neighbour initiative, which was launched by Channel Islands Cooperative Society and backed by the Guernsey Press and Guernsey Post. It recognises that we can all play a part in supporting those around us, helping everyone in the community – particularly those who may feel lonely or isolated – to feel a sense of belonging.
We thank and recognise the work that they are doing.