Bromsgrove mum who took overdose has had to wait months for an appointment with the Mental Health Team - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove mum who took overdose has had to wait months for an appointment with the Mental Health Team

Bromsgrove Editorial 30th Jul, 2016 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

A BROMSGROVE mum-of-two who took an overdose two months ago amidst mental health problems said she feels completely helpless after being forced to wait more than two months for an appointment.

The woman, who does not want to be named and has a history of self harm and other mental health issues, was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital after the incident in May. After being discharged, she had an appointment with her GP who referred her to the Mental Health Team at Newbrook at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital.

After receiving an appointment for July 27, she called up in a bid to get it brought forward.

But, rather than that happening, she was left a voicemail saying the appointment was cancelled and she has now been told she must wait even longer for it to be rescheduled.




“I’m very surprised there was no other help offered in the meantime – it just seems like they have no compassion.

“I think it’s an absolute disgrace people are being left to struggle and even when they want the help there is none there.


“I don’t suppose people would be waiting months for medical assistance for a broken leg.

“It is lucky I haven’t felt suicidal since then – I worry that if this had happened to a vulnerable 18-year-old, it could’ve been a different story.

“I think people should be offered alternative support or even an appointment in another town.

“I feel people are just left to their own devices and mental health isn’t taken seriously enough.”

The woman added she contacted The Standard to speak out because she feared there could be others in the same situation as her.

Dr Andy Sant, medical director at Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust, apologised for cancelling the appointment and reassured her plans were in place to rearrange it as quickly as possible.

“Following some staff changes, we have been working hard to get consultant locum cover for the team.

“We thought this had been secured a couple of weeks ago but at very late notice was informed that the locum had accepted a post somewhere else, which meant we had to cancel the appointment.”

He added the focus was on ensuring patients who required more urgent support were seen as quickly as possible using existing staff whilst the trust continued its efforts to secure short-term locum support until a longer-term appointment could be made.

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