Question regarding going to A&E

[Becca]

This isn't a first aid type question, I don't think, but if it is then please someone move it for me

I had an appointment today with a psychiatrist and I was told I must go to A&E *before* I SH.

Given my cmht problems (discharged as 'unhelpable') I am very very concerned it will be viewed as manipulative and unfair if I do so.

I was wondering if anyone here has done so?

[talaiporia]

I've taken a friend many times when she was in a particular bad phase and usually she hadn't SI'd (as I was watching her, or supposed to be). We'd usually sit for a while in the waiting room (a few hours sometimes, normally only 1 sometimes 2) and then we'd go into one of the little interview rooms (it's a big hospital) and see someone from psych liason (usually a nurse) and they'd often give her something to calm her down, and we'd go home.

It was never manipulative in her case - mostly she would be very 'out of it' and I would be concerned I couldn't keep her safe, particularly 'out of hours' and at weekends.

It's pretty big hospital (one of London's four trauma centres) so there's very good care there, and I guess that could change if you lived in say, a very rural area.

How is your local A&E usually?

If you decide against going to A&E, it's worth thinking about calling NHS direct or Samaritans; they can at least talk you through.

[Becca]

I live somewhere very rural. The problem I have is the manager of the CMHT has taken against me in a big way; but aside from me and my advocate hasn;t told anyone else involved in my care e.g. gp or A&E so my worry is being referred to CMHT which is inappropriate.

I should add I have been told to telephone CMHT, but can only do that from a supermarket and it isn't confidential enough for me to do so.

I am aware I can phone NHSDirect and Samaritans, thank-you for replying.