My daughter was discharged while still psychotic: An open letter from a Perth mum
Yesterday, my 22-year-old daughter was released from a Perth hospital whilst psychotic on meth.
Three police cars, St John Ambulance and addiction specialist staff were needed to restrain her and take her back.
Countries like the USA recognise this due to the brain damage caused by long term drug use – mainly meth.
Addicts can no longer make rational, safe decisions and to discharge patients in this condition is a neglect of duty of care to the patient and all other medical and emergency personnel involved.
My daughter is a long-term user and this is not an isolated incident. She has been discharged from a number of Perth hospitals while she still psychotic.
She should be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Emergency service employees and police have enough on their plates; their pay is rubbish and a large percentage of their time is spent on the revolving door doing repeat jobs such as this one.
It puts them and the community at risk.
There is no government support for rehabilitation havens like Fresh Start, Shalom House, Esther House and many more who rely on donations and volunteers.
They do an essential service and yet they continue to be neglected by governments.
This is happening on the McGowan government's watch and this is what they will be remembered for. Doing nothing.
Many, many families are going through the same as mine. How would you act and feel if it was your family going through this?
From a parent and police officer.