Miss S complained about the standard of two psychiatric assessments and said she received inappropriate, prejudicial and judgmental comments. She said failings stopped her from getting the help she needed.
What happened
Miss S said that on two occasions the psychiatrist failed to ask sufficient questions to understand whether she was at risk of self–harm. She also said that the psychiatrist's subsequent report contained inaccurate information about her mood when she was assessed, and her thoughts of self–harm.
Miss S also complained that an approved mental health practitioner made comments about her lifestyle and life choices rather than helping her find the right therapy.
What we found
We partly upheld this complaint. The records of the assessment did not contain enough information and explanation to show that the relevant standards were met, and the Trust had not recognised that failing.
Although we could not say that this failing had put Miss S at greater risk, we were satisfied that she had been left with the uncertainty of not knowing if things could have been different.
We were unable to come to a definitive view about the comments made by the approved mental health practitioner but we recognised that Miss S found this intervention unhelpful.
Putting it right
The Trust wrote to Miss S to apologise for the upset, worry and uncertainty and paid her £200. It also took action to show that it had learnt lessons from Miss S's complaint.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Chester
Not applicable
Apology
Compensation for non-financial loss