Absolutely appalling.
I have been under this service for 7 years, under the "youth pathway" unfortunately my story is confusing but more common than you think. When I became very very unwell I need a stay in an adolescent psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately I had to wait 5 weeks for a bed due to an incompetent psychiatrist from this team. I had an appointment with this psychiatrist whom viewed my case, never meeting me before and simply said "nope she doesn't need hospital" he had failed to read my notes though as a locum psychiatrist whom was due to take on my case, had already refered me THE DAY BEFORE. I ended up in A&E that night and it was decided that I definitely needed an admission. Unfortunately due to the incompetent psychiatrist earlier that day, the bed search took 5 weeks. All of those weeks were spent watched 24/7 by mother, I wasn't allowed to school... In my GCSE year. Fortunately I received a bed finally, not far too from home and spent 6 months there.(I was one of the lucky ones being closer to home but there was talk of me going to Manchester or Wales). The locum doctor who took over my case was extraordinary though, seeing me 3 times a week. But he also informed me that if I was sent over an hour away from home I would be sectioned. I believe this psychiatrist was so good was because he was a locum, he wasn't really connected with the team. Many professionals stated after that admission that it saved my life and I wouldn't be here without that. They're completely true. In those 5 weeks beforehand, my life was at risk which wouldn't have happened without the incompetent doctor who should've read my notes before even seeing me. As a service user I have also often felt belittled and ignored, on more occasions than I can explain. In the 7 years I have been with the service I have NEVER had therapy. Instead I have just been pushed onto various medications. In fact, as a 14 year old the first ever appointment I had with them, I was placed onto pills. I have had YEAR LONG waits to see a psychiatrist for a review and often go 6 weeks without any correspondence with my Care-coordinator. Even if my education settling or parents have been ringing them up, telling her I need to be seen. I was actually asked to write a letter last year to our local MP, detailing my experience with NSFT and I'd be happy to share this. It goes into full details of the failing in my care under NSFT. The failings not only I have received. I know for a fact that my care-coordinator didn't write notes on me, she'd often states "Oops I haven't done your notes from last time". That is negilence, and could lead to serious trouble, especially with a patient whom has a history of suicidal actions. Most of the psychiatrists I've met (9 in total) have been appalling besides two, the locum I mentioned earlier and a different one for under 18s. The other 7 have been rude, very very patronising and have given the impression that they just don't care. Appointments are supposed to last an hour too, as stated on letters, you're lucky if they last longer than 15 minutes. You can guaranteed that you'll hear "if you were that desperate to die, you would've done it by now and succeeded". Also I've been told "your self-harm isn't worrying enough yet". I had the same care coordinator for 7 years and quite simply, I think she got bored of "dealing with me". The receptionists are lovely though. By the way in which I have been spoken to, belittled, and been "treated" it's not surprise that my mental health has deteriorated. As has my physical health, as a result of my eating disorder, something that has never been fully addressed. "Your weight isn't below a bmi of 14, so we aren't too concerned just yet." Really? Self-harm has continued to worsen but it's not "worrying enough" so I am left to my own devices regarding it. A service that is supposed to help you in your darkest of times? Non existant. If you want to be made to feel worse about how you're feeling? This is the right service. It has made me emotional writing this as there as so many more things I could add, but I haven't got all day. No-one should ever receive care like this, there is just no compassion and care, lives are put at risk. No care is put into the thought that the ignorance and incompetence is genuinely and scarily, risking peoples lives. I know caseloads are increasing and the service is more in demand but it doesn't cost to show a little more compassion and to not say direct, negative comments that really do hurt. An absolutely appalling service. (If Healthwatch Suffolk wish to read the letter I wrote to our local MP, I'd be more than happy to share it.)