Central Gateshead Medical Group
TL
Tilley L. 5 years ago • From Google
Bad
I aged out of children's mental health services midway through the pandemic and was advised to contact my GP for a referral to adult services. I called to arrange an appointment and booked in with the first available clinician. During the telephone consultation, I was asked very personal questions about self-harm and suicidal thoughts without any prior warning and in a manner that felt harsh. I requested either an in-person appointment or more time to prepare, but proceeded with a face-to-face visit. At the appointment, the clinician's demeanour was notably detached. While I understand the need for thoroughness, the questioning focused heavily on my family's mental health history rather than my own concerns, which I felt was inappropriate. I was advised against seeking medication and told to pursue counselling for anxiety and depression, with a comment suggesting I would naturally outgrow self-harm as it is common among teenagers. Given that I have been managing this since early adolescence, this response felt dismissive and insensitive from a healthcare professional. I left with a referral to counselling services. The admission staff member at that service expressed serious concern about the appropriateness of the referral, noting that my presentation—including active symptoms and significant risk factors—required a higher level of care. They directly admitted me to adult mental health services instead, where I am now receiving appropriate support and working towards a diagnosis. This delay in accessing suitable care set back my treatment by several months. My mother, who transferred to the same practice with an existing mental health diagnosis, had one appointment for an unrelated physical health issue. She reported that the clinician was similarly invasive and blunt regarding her diagnosis when this was not the focus of her visit. Additionally, I have experienced multiple appointment cancellations over recent months for various health concerns. These recurring issues raise questions about the overall functioning of this practice.
Amir J.