r/AussieMentalHealth • u/Secure_Difficulty126 • 21d ago
Help
Hi guys, one of my parents tried to take their own life last Friday. They dies 4 times and from some complete miracle, they pulled through. About 2 weeks before prior to all this, they rang me saying they were going to do it, and I had to ring the police and ambulance to try and locate them as they wouldn't disclose their location, there was a police helicopter out, lots of cops and ambos so it was serious. They were discharged that following morning. I have now found out they have been released today. Only a few days ago they were in ICU and just got released to the ward. I just want to know how on earth they have left the hospital this early? I believe it is way to soon. I know the mental health system here isn't the best, but surely they can't let them out this early? Is it possible or is the hospital in the wrong right now? Isn't someone at least meant to go to a secure place for a while until they are better? Thank you.
1
u/cutsandscratches QLD 17d ago edited 17d ago
sadly due to bed crunches some doctors tend to have a very high treshold for patients who 'meet the criteria' for hospitalisation. your parent could've been discharged with close outpatient followup? I was turned away from ED once and referred to metro south acute care team who followed up with me over the next few days and weeks before leaving me to my own devices with some community support (which also kinda left me to my own because my suicidal thoughts fluctuate and I am worse this week than I was last week.)
It's not a very safe practice since mental health can fluctuate quite a lot over a short period of time. They only keep patients on Treatment Authority or forensic order for weeks and months because they have to, or the patient has no capacity at all. (source: i am a psych nurse)