Mum says daughter has been let down by mental health team

A mum has hit out at mental health services in Hastings after they dismissed her daughter's bi-polar concerns.

Delia Wood, 53, has been fighting for a proper assessment of daughter Lisa’s condition for more than two years.

And she is adamant her family has been badly let down by the very people who are meant to help people with mental health problems.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier in the year she finally secured a residential placement for Lisa after the Observer told of their plight.

However, after a month spent at a home in nearby Eastbourne, it became obvious that residential help was not he answer and Lisa returned to her family home. Since then, Mrs Wood argues, they have effectively been told to ‘get on with it’ and hung out to dry by the mental health team based at Westwood House in Holmesdale Gardens.

She said: “We have been told there is no funding to support Lisa and that she does not have bi-polar. But she displays all the symptoms and a top psychiatrist at Great Ormand Street told us she was suffering from it - only to later retract the diagnosis. All we are getting is mixed messages and Lisa cannot get on with her life.” The 20-year-old said the lack of what she felt was a suitable diagnosis meant was holding her back because she was unable to get the treatment she needs.

She said: “I have basically been told that I have asperges and autism and to stop looking up symptoms on the internet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I don’t want to be on benefits my whole life. I want to get a driving licence, find a job and get on with making something of my life. It just feels like I am not getting the support I need.”

Among the problems Lisa’s condition creates are violent outbursts and she says she finds it difficult to cope with everyday situations and at times comes over all manic.

“In an ideal world we would be getting more help in the home and support tackling Lisa’s anger problems,” said Mrs Wood. “But all we get told is that there is no funding for it and that Lisa does not have this problem, when clearly she does.

“I honestly worry that if this carries on we will end up with a death in our house - it is that serious.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesman for Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, which runs mental health services locally, said: “We are keen to work with this person. With her co-operation and that of her family we are confident we can work together to provide her with the most appropriate support. “It would be wrong to publish confidential details of anyone’s treatment. However, in general terms it is important in any kind of mental health or psychological support that people work with the service to agree a plan, and take responsibility for their part in completing it.”