25-09-2017 07:28 PM
25-09-2017 07:28 PM
My son an I live in the beautiful Apple Isle.
As beautiful as it is here I have become awear of some major short falls in out mental health system.
These have left my son with some but incomplete care and without formal diagnosis.
He is 16 but too old for the children's system but too young for the adult ststem.
Any suggestions please. We need some direction that doesn't have a road block at the end.
Thank you in advance
26-09-2017 10:49 AM
26-09-2017 10:49 AM
Hi @MAMMAFE, we lived in rural Tas for a while and local medical services varied from "very basic" to "generally good", depending on the town. Had to travel 2 hours each way to Launceston for anything major. I presume Hobart is the other alternative.
26-09-2017 12:08 PM
26-09-2017 12:08 PM
26-09-2017 12:59 PM
26-09-2017 12:59 PM
Hi @MAMMAFE, My son was on an extended holiday in Tassie when he became ill. Now back home in Vic. He was admitted to Northside, Launceston General Hospital and received good care there. We were told that outpatient services didn't extend to where we were living (NE, about 120km away) and they suggested we move closer. What kind of comprehensive service are you looking for? Someone here might be able to advise. (I'm also a big fan of Tassie.)
26-09-2017 01:01 PM
26-09-2017 01:01 PM
It is not just the mental health system that is seriously underfunded in Tassie @MAMMAFE - the whole Health system here is pathetic. Seriously ill people having to wait in corridors for over 24 hours until space can be made 'somewhere' to accommodate a bed for them - or no beds available at all. People being turned away from lack of appropriate resouces/services and ambulances ramping up to 5 or 6 deep - unable to 'offload' patients because there is no room and subsequently ambulances not available when needed to other call-outs. The government tries to say they have been increasing services and decreasing wait times - but try telling that to those that cannot get a bed or cannot get the help they need! I'm sure you know exactly what this is like!
I presume your son has seen a GP @MAMMAFE - if not that is your first port of call. You can also request an appointment with the school Social Worker or School Psychologist - that is usually done through the child's teacher and Principal. Referrals can then be made to outside sources if needed.
This link gives you a little more info that may be of benefit Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services brochure
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