Silencing Tactics - A Mental Health Experience
Violence is WRONG
Violence is AGAINST THE LAW
Violence is NOT ACCEPTABLE ANYMORE
A Gelicrisio (Dyer)
FITZROY, VIC 3056
28th September, 2011
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Attn: Dr Ruth Vine Chief Psychiatrist Level 17, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000 C/C – Melbourne Children’s Court, Victoria (Attn: Hon. Grant)
Re: Breech of the Mental Health Act, 1986
Case No# B12570441 & Case No# 5216/2011; Blake & Kristen Dyer
(Ref: Legal Files – (1) 19073+AaDyerG and (2) 19013+AnnAa)
Information Posted online: Linked-in, Face-book and sent via ag12@y7mail.com
To Whom It May Concern,
I would like to take this opportunity to address the following matters of concern, as listed below:
Thursday 8th September, 2011
My mother has raised me in a domestic violent house hold, where she subjected me to years of beatings; put downs and less favourable treatment on a daily basis, because I did not fit her traditional ideas of a girl, one who cooks and cleans up after the boys!
My mother and I engaged in heated argument over her disciplinary ideas for my son Blake, who was at her house spending “boy” time with my father.
The argument with my mother ended with me threatening my mother with the following statement, “if you so much as put one scratch on my son while he is in your house spending time with dad, I will not hesitate in calling the police and reporting you to DHS for not only the abuse you subjected me to as a child (which never came to light) but also for hitting other people’s children (Ixia and Nemesia) while in your care during the family day care program that was run by the local council – a service that is supposedly monitored by child protection services.
Ensuring my children are removed from my care permanently my complaints and that of my children’s would effectively be silenced. I only visit my mother once every six years...”
Friday 9th September, 2011
The next evening my son Blake called me to collect him from my mother’s house, he was complaining of a sore back and failed to go into detail as to what happened; my son seemed scared of my mother, he complained that she was constantly running me down. My son Blake, was cut short of conversation and call was terminated, not by me nor him.
I called a Taxi immediately, with no money to spare and in a great hurry I ordered the Taxi Driver to my mother’s house to collect my son; I promised to pay the bill upon arrival.
When I arrived at my mother house to collect my son no one answered the front door after knocking several times in the presence of the taxi driver. My mother refused to answer the door because she was on the phone to the police lodging false complaints against me to prevent me from collecting my son from her care; the police were on their way.
Upon arrival, the police found me at my neighbour’s house collecting fare for the taxi driver parked outside.
I accompanied the police to my mother’s house and as I approached the front gate my mother, in the presence of the police officer she became very aggressive towards me, name calling me and carrying on in this manner stating loudly, “I will show you now, I will show you…”; I trusted they would act impartial ensuring my protection.
The police officers had explained in brief that my mother called on them because she believes that I am a danger to myself and to the community; she was supported by my adult siblings waiting quietly in the neighbouring kitchen.
The police officer went on to explain that he will be calling an ambulance who will be accompanied by the CATT Team for an on the spot assessment and that the CATT Team officer will determine whether I need to be accompanied to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation or not!
It is my understanding that the police do not have the authority to override the decision of the CATT Team after an assessment, it’s against code of conduct rules.
I was questioned and assessed on my mother couch by the officer for a period of approximately half an hour; who did not deemed it necessary for me to be taken into hospital for a psychiatric evaluation as she clearly stated that I did not meet all 5 criteria of section 8.1 of the Mental Health Act and therefore I cannot be taken in under section 9 of the ACT; instead this officer had observed that there is obviously a communication breakdown between my mother and me and that we need the opportunity to talk about it. I insisted on seeing my son, as I’ve come to collect him from my mother’s house, who has prevented me from doing so by not answering the door at the time of arrival.
My mother was outraged and in a hurry called for a meeting in the kitchen with the police officers and my adult siblings, outnumbering my complaints, 4 against 1.
One of the police officers, Narelle, was a childhood friend of my brother Matthew and as an adult, had strong ties with my parents because her family lived just around the corner. She should not have been called to the scene due to a possible conflict of interest (...and in court, she testified in my mother’s favour).
The police officer came out of the kitchen and overruled the decision of the CATT Team Officer and apprehended me under section 10 of the Mental Health Act; I was driven to the Emergency Ward in the back of the police van (Patient No#975103).
Despite being escorted by police, nursing staff could not figure out what on earth I was doing in their observation ward under the strict guard of police, as I did not look dangerous; however, they adhered to the strict instructions of police to detain me much to their disapproval.
I was heartbroken and co-operated with authority in trust that the police would do their job well and everything would get sorted out quickly; my mobile phone was removed and my bag along with a camera containing video evidence (and confidential documents) confiscated by police; which were never returned back to me.
I was refused phone calls to calls for legal advice and to make contact with my son and was placed under strict police surveillance in the Hospital Emergency Ward while waiting for a doctor to see me.
Saturday 10th September, 2011
The following morning the same night staff from that hospital once again voiced their confusion as to what I was doing in their care and could not understand the need for such treatment upon observing me for 12 straight hours; they had my full co-operation and did not deem a psychiatric evaluation necessary nor did I fit all five criteria of section 8.1 of the Mental Health Act in accordance to their observation. When I asked for my release, I was told it's police matter who have given strict instruction not to release me - I was being held like a criminal needlessly and against my will - nor allowed telephone access effectively preventing me from calling a lawyer.
The doctor on duty, Michelle O'Brien, assessed me at approximately 1:30am stated that she was worried I seemed stressed and as a result will recommend me for involuntary treatment order, to be admitted into a Psychiatric Hospital. A nurse on duty who strongly disagreed with Ms O'Brien paid me a brief visit after the assessment and advised me to call a lawyer as it is not unreasonable for any mother who has been prevented from collecting her children and denied vital communication to seek legal advice to be stressed. She said anyone else would be ripping the walls down and further added that they way I have conducted myself under the circumstances is a clear indication of a healthy mind - as it is her observation. She was not a treating psychiatrist however, it was her opinion that there are no signs of a mental illness. She walked out in a rush to speak with the head of unit and was stopped by police in the hallway who pulled her aside and out of sight; she did not return to grant me my rights, which was her intention.
Ms O'Brien re-entered where I was sitting quietly awaiting for my release; I co-operated and patiently re-explained my position, of how my mother had simply made concurrent threats, consistent with the sudden turn of events, upon me threatening to expose years of abuse that I was subjected to as a child in her care and her actions were as a result of threatening to expose her care standards while working for The Family Day Care Program, a programme funded by DHS and monitored by the Department of Child Protection. I continued informing her that my mother phoned the police on false pretences to prevent me from collecting my son from her care.
Ms O'Brien did not seem sure of her decision to proceed with psychiatric treatment and stated that another consultant psychiatrist on duty will again assess me in the morning to determine the outcome; she was not convinced that I met all 5 criteria of section 8.1 of the Mental Health Act and she wasn't the only one.
While being detained in the emergency ward, I was repeatedly denied phone calls to call for legal representation/advice; I was also denied the opportunity to contact my employer and my accommodation to delay rent payments with the real-estate in relation to a lease take over. As a result of being denied timely phone calls, lost both jobs and my two bedroom high-rise rental apartment in Lonsdale Street Melbourne City and representing myself in a very complicated matter that could have been avoided with a phone call to a lawyer. On a personal level, I was dealing with DHS placing my children in my mother’s care who were lied to about my mental health.
I was admitted on Friday 9th September, 2011; and seen by a duty nurse the next day, who did not deem medication necessary against the instruction of the treating psychiatrist (who had not yet assessed me).
Sunday 11th September, 2011
I was approached by Juliana the Consultant on duty who insisted on examining me in the hallway by the wall phone with no privacy. Juliana also rejected my right to legal assistance and (without my knowledge) continued on with her assessment based on our four minute brief conversation in the hallway. I was quickly section from 9 to 12 of the mental health act, which gives the power to retain and restrain me under the act and force feed medication for a mental illness that I have not been diagnosed to have. She reported misleading information on my examination form;;; all I said to her was that under the circumstances it’s not unreasonable to assume that someone failed to do their job properly in dealing with my case upon entry into the Psychiatric Ward, due to the fact that I was not allowed phone calls by police who removed my mobile phone and my right to legal representation in terms of contacting a lawyer was denied upon detainment.
The above mentioned is a breech of the Mental Health Act, Section 18 (1) (A), “... the right to obtain legal representation...”, and a breech of Section 18 (4) “...it is the duty of the authorising psychiatrist to ensure that this section is complied with”.
Monday 12th September, 2011
As a result of Sunday’s sectioning, I lost my rights to reject medication, leave on my own accord and defend my parenting standards to see, to my children’s welfare.
Every attempt I made to communicate with my children from the hospital wall phone – a communal service – blocked by (a) nursing staff and (b) my mother. The Department of Human Services/child Protection placed my children in my mother’s temporary care; there were no court orders preventing me from making contact with my children but my mother with every bad intention, failed to pass on my message to my children and telling them that I am in jail instead. The Department of Human Services who are supposed to promote contact and restore relationships between family members, found my mother’s behaviour entertaining.
Tuesday 13th December, 2011
I asked the doctors not to be medicated so I can be coherent and reliable in providing information for the purpose of exercising my rights to legal advice and to complain through the correct channels in relation to my treatment; I organised an appointment at 11am with a solicitor but could not attend as I was denied leave.
I was on the phone to the Department of Human Services trying to make contact with my children; a collective decision was then made by all team to terminate my call and using force if need be, to take me to the High Dependency Ward (HD) for “treatment”, where I was forced to negotiate terms of stay.
Denying me the opportunity to seek legal advice was becoming a problem in this hospital ward – a clear breach of the Mental Health Act – forcing me to defend my entitlement to access justice services in order to exercise my right to a fair go.
I was escorted (and made an example of) by the security guard to the neighbouring HD ward, stripped searched and belongings removed. I was threatened by five staff all standing over me with injections to sedate me into submission. I am not easily intimidated and despite their bullying tactics (again, a breach of the Mental Health Act) I insisted to exercise my right to legal representation prior to any further compliance in terms of a psychiatric examination and further added that I will only consider oral medication (for a condition that I have not been diagnosed to have) if it does not in any shape or form prevent me from being able to adequately seek legal advice...’ As nursing staff pulled away I heard them say amongst themselves, ‘she’s not like other patients here, is she?’ and I yelled out, ‘yeah that’s right I’m not like the others because I’m not supposed to be here, am I?’ I continued, ‘and if you guys were going you job properly, I wouldn’t be here!’ They ordered more medication... despite being sedated, I still managed to compile a 20 Page Court Ready Report to the Chief Psychiatrist of Victoria, Dr Ruth Vine – which they failed to forward – that was presented to the Melbourne Children’s Courts with some typing errors.
The Consultant Psychiatrist on duty thought the medication was not working, as a result of compiling such documentation and doubled it; which enabled me to sleep for longer. They could not work out how I knew what they writing on my hospital files, which I was able to hold against them when I re-gained consciousness, using the mind that they cannot sedate.
The above mentioned is a breech of the Mental Health Act, Section 18 (1) (A), “... the right to obtain legal representation...”, and a breech of Section 18 (4) “...it is the duty of the authorising psychiatrist to ensure that this section is complied with”.
Thursday 15th September, 2011
I telephoned The Department of Human Services; I explained in brief that I have been prevented from contacting my children since Friday 9th September, 2011 and that there are no current orders in place.
I was concerned for my children’s welfare; I went on to explain the abusive circumstances that I was subjected to as a child in my mother’s care, the beatings, bruises and broken wrist and furthermore, the abuse my mother subjected other children to in her paid care, while working for The Family Day Care Program (run by the Williamstown Council and funded by DHS, a programme that is supposed to be tightly monitored by child protection) and before I got the chance to divulge the names of the children involved, Sophie Clifford ended the conversation and the phone went dead, I was clearly cut off.
Friday 16th September, 2011
The consultant psychiatrist and the Department of Child Protection were communicating in secret, organising a court hearing to remove my children. Despite the fact that I am supposed to have adequate notice and the opportunity to attend, they told me nothing about it; the application was made by Aisling Carr from the Department of Child Protection and the hospital had the cheek to give me half an hour notice prior to the scheduled hearing, while in hospital being denied leave.
I had no legal representation and was not granted leave and transport to attend and therefore, I telephoned the Melbourne’s Children Court immediately (a phone call that I had to fight senior staff for – verbally) and got approval for an adjournment until 29th September, 2011.
Is this how they take children from women in Australia when they are wrong?
On Wednesday 21st September, 2011, I will stand in front of the Mental Health Review Board to appeal my status; request to be taken off section and made voluntary with the intention to point out every single breach.
Monday 19th September, 2011
I had a brief five minute conversation with Amy (the consultant psychiatrist) who wanted to know if I think there are private investigators after me. She added, that my brother Matthew (who had close ties with Narelle, the police officer who attended my mother’s house on Friday 9th September, 2011...) had stated that we’ve been on the run for the past few years escaping private investigators…; I did not agree and rolled my eyes backwards. I replied, “there are no private investigators and I think the whole story is ridiculous”; and that my socio-economic position is the major contributing factor that I have had several address and not because we were on the run from some rubbish private investigator story...’ I further added, ‘despite our rental premises’ being sold quickly during the property market boom in Western Australia, I still managed to hold down two major rental properties both for a period of two and a-half years in both Victoria and Western Australia.’
If I was on the run, why would I have remained in the same premises (until sold by the owner) for a period of two and a half years? People who are on the run don’t do that.
The Mental Health Act in Section 8(2)(m), clearly states that “a person is not to be considered to be mentally ill by reason only of any one or more of the following; (m) that the person has a particular economic or social status...”
I made myself clear to Amy during our conversation that my priorities are with my children and I would like regular contact with both my children and the opportunity to follow up on my son’s complaints of a sore back without any further delay, as he is living with my mother who has beaten me as a child in her care and that understood, I am naturally concerned for his welfare. My son has been my mother’s target since our return from New Zealand, someone whom the department of child protection deems fit to look after children!
Aimy walked out of the room and ignored my request.
Sandeep (another psychiatrist) served me with documentation in preparation for the appeal, scheduled to be heard on 21/9/95; as I did not agree with the contents of the mentioned documentation, I wanted an opportunity to formally respond.
I approached the nurses desk and asked to speak with my duty nurse, Ekura, wanting to ask her if it would be ok for me to take my medication after 10:30pm, as I have an appeal approaching fast – that I may be forced to represent myself – and feel I may need to work till late completing my responses in due course? I further explained that I needed to be RELIABLE IN DOCUMENTING INFORMATION and that I CAN NOT BE SEDATED WHILE TRYING TO PRODUCE COURT DOCUMENTATION, AS IT WOULD COMPROMISE MY RELIABILITY.
Ekura said “NO”, even after explaining to her that I had discussed it Sandeep and he didn’t seem to have a problem with my reasoning.
Ekura out of the blue became very aggressive, as she did not believe my communication with Sandeep had taken place; she began shouting at me from over the counter calling me a “MANIPULATOR AND A LIAR; her tone of voice was hostile and uninviting and Ekura’s behaviour was out of control, ultimately making an example out of me to co-patients and senior staff who failed to intervene.
I was not, under any circumstances, going to allow Ekura to provoke a negative reaction out of me, as I was trying to avoid the HD Ward and isolation, so I just let her carry on and began to write her put down’s on paper from the other side of the front counter.
Ekura became outraged of my attempts to document her words and with force, she snatched my documentation from under me (containing legal notes in relation to the on-coming appeal), and stormed out, forcing me to follow her into the computer room (to retrieve my confidential documents) where I was isolated and out of sight, subjected to what is deemed as institutional abuse.
In the computer room, Ekura, was shouting at me cheek to cheek flying false accusation at me, belittling me, standing over me and further spiting in my face with each word she spoke; I blatantly refused to engage, as my martial arts background has taught me self control before self defence.
With each pause I would respond by simply stating “I am not doing this with you right now and especially not like this”; Ekura then said, “black belt huh, what about it huh, black belt, yeah black belt huh…”.
I don’t like fighting and am not aggressive by nature; and therefore I refused to return Ekura’s challenge.
In a same tone calm voice and careful not to fuel her, I used the broken record technique and repeatedly asked her to stop shouting and start talking and that I am not going to engage with her on such terms.
Ekura then went on to accuse me of giving legal advice and said IN A RAGE, “how dare you give patients legal advice, six patients have said so” and “don’t you ever dare type out a legal will for Sharon again, She would never have known to ask for that on her own”. I tried to explain, as stated a number of times that it’s simply not my place to give legal advice and that I did not type out a legal will for anyone, as I am not a qualified legal practitioner; I continued to add that when she is calm, I would be more than happy to sit down and resolve any issues of concern directly with her”…
SHE STORMED OUT AND CLOSED THE DOOR while I was still standing inside the computer room by the doorway.
...unfortunately, Sharon has a story of her own.
I couldn’t help thinking that if it was me who behaved in such a way towards a staff member - if I had of so much as retaliated or even just acted in self defence - I would have been locked away in the High Dependency Unit, punished with injections and information in relation to such behaviours promptly added to my hospital files!
I asked Mel (the A.C.N.), if she could as a matter of urgency mediate communication with Ekura and me, briefly explaining that I was subjected to bullying and concerned with the level of false accusations, which could have an adverse effect on my treatment; I also requested not to be placed in Ekura’s care again as I cannot possibly be expected to trust her again.
Mel kindly agreed and during mediation, Mel informed me for the first time about the nursing management plan informing me that I could only approach the bench once every hour; I was more than happy to comply despite having to legally represent myself in a complicated matter that I am not qualified to take on and therefore, needing staff assistance more frequently than other patients with different circumstances.
It is my understanding that the above mentioned incident is a failure of duty of care by the offending person; to protect vulnerable patients from harm and a failure to care for such a patient in a supportive and professional environment – breech of The Mental Health Act, Section 6A (a), “people with a Mental Disorder should be provided with timely and high quality treatment and care...” and is also an offence under the law of “Totrs”; no apology was made by Ekura to correct her unacceptable behaviours in this instance.
Tuesday 20th September, 2011
My contact nurse found me in the Ladies Lounge Room about to start my daily Catholic Rosary. I sat with her for half an hour and briefly spoke about the circumstances that led me to being a patient in this hospital. When we finished communication, I informed her that I was about to start my Rosary “Daily” Prayers that are done in the Ladies Lounge Room each morning to prevent distraction.
Ten minutes later I heard my name on the loud speaker called twice; and I chose to ignore it, as had communicated my position with the duty nurse prior to commencement. I was followed into the ladies lunge room by Aimy (the consultant psychiatrist), the Acting Nurse in Charge and my duty nurse who insisted I give my attention to their demands and abort my prayers, all whom were talking at once.
I politely made my way over to the neighbouring room leaving staff trailing behind, as I was continuing my prayers. I softly shut my bedroom door to discourage disruption and continuing praying Rosary Beads on my knees beside my bed. All three staff members followed me into my room, Amy in particular standing over me upon entering and asserting her authority by talking over my prayers insisting I allow her to disrupt The Rosary, stating, “I know what you’re doing Anna...”; who quickly called security for back up forcing my to abort my prayers and ordered me to The High Dependency Unit. I was extremely annoyed and felt my religious practices were not taken seriously, nor were my patient rights respected. It was a religious institution.
Upon entering the High Dependency Unit (HDU) I was falsely accused of staff splitting, giving patient’s legal advice and breeching nursing management plans that I was supposed have known about for the past two weeks. They needed an excuse to keep me in isolation, which would remove my internet access privileges and cut me off from all forms of communication to the outside world; the children’s courts, the ombudsman’s office and Dr Ruth Vine, the Chief Psychiatrist of Victoria... so they dug up everything they could possibly hold against me to justify their actions.
In the HDU I was forced to share a confined space with patients suffering from severe mental illnesses; I was closely monitored till the 26th September, 2011 and further subjected to staff nit picking fault with every move I make for the opportunity to increase my medication, needlessly sedating me into submission.
Praying the Rosary is not a good enough reason to confine a patient into the High Dependency Unit.
By being in the HDU, I missed calls from Jeremy, a private legal representative who was considering making an appearance on the day of the hearing for the Appeal I lodged with The Mental Health Review Board, to be heard on 21st September, 2011; and therefore was un-represented.
I believe the above mentioned is a breach of Section 6A of The Mental Health Act, Principles of treatment and care; subsection (g), “ when receiving treatment and care the age related, gender-related, religious, cultural, language and other special needs of people with a mental disorder should be taken into consideration”.
Wednesday, 21st September, 2011
My daughter’s 16th Birthday and I am without her for the first time.
The morning of the Appeal to the Mental Health Review Board; Jeremy’s call to come through on the communal phone, as I did not retain by memory his number due to medication I was forced to consume; Jeremy is a legal representative, who discussed with me the night before about possibly attending my appeal with The Mental Health Review Board for representation, as he did not believe I presented unwell.
Being confined to HDU has prevented me from attending the communal phone and therefore, Jeremy’s call for further legal advice in preparation for the appeal...
The board members insisted I sit down and be read my rights to commence the hearing; I asserted my position and requested an adjournment. I reiterated my concerns with regards to my treatment as a patient in Aimy’s care, putting into question concurrent breaches of the Mental Health Act on at least three separate counts, as a result of misconduct. I reminded everyone that I am un-represented and until such time I gain the assistance of a qualified legal practitioner, I would only accept an adjournment; and further added that I intend to contact The Victorian Ombudsman in relation to my treatment plan that I have not actively participated in.
Friday, 23rd September, 2011
Amy, the consultant psychiatrist walked into HDU where I was detained and restricted from vital communication resources; being annoyed with her level of intimidation tactics I naturally refused to engage with her, as nothing I said was going to be good enough. I asked to speak with a different consultant psychiatrist (which is my right as a patient in accordance to hospital policy), however, Amy refused and gave me an ultimatum between the needle of the pill. Furthermore, she took great pleasure doubling my medication, sedating me needlessly; which is a breach of the Mental Health Act under section 6 (h) – as described blow. I put into question Amy’s professional standards, as it seemed I was being punished with medication instead of treated for a condition, a condition that I was not diagnosed to have.
When I asked Amy why she is doubling my medication, she further stated, “the way that you behaved in front of the board is indicative of someone who is unwell”; and this all because I was successful in getting the adjournment, which was against her instruction.
Jeremy (the lawyer) called back later that afternoon and was told that I was too sedated to talk to him, despite me requesting that I take all incoming calls intended for me – I was not asleep at the time of Jeremy’s call.
The above mentioned is a breach of the Mental Health Act, Section 6(h); “the prescription of medication should meet the best health needs of the person with a mental disorder and should be given only for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes and never as a punishment or for the convenience of others”; and
Section 18 (1) (A), “... the right to obtain legal representation...”, and a breech of Section 18 (4) “...it is the duty of the authorising psychiatrist to ensure that this section is complied with”.
AND – (4) Objects of Act; subsection (b) in providing for the care and treatment of people with a mental disorder... any restriction upon the liberty of patients and other people with a mental disorder and any interference with their rights, privacy, dignity and self-respect are kept to the minimum necessary in the circumstances.
Sunday, 25th September, 2011
At approximately 11:30am, Laurie (another patient), began singing songs from The Beatles so I joined him.
Then I went outside to soak up the sun and Laurie followed me out there and began expressing his anger about his upbringing, explaining that he had a hard life and needed a break. I was just lending an ear but also couldn’t get a word in for the majority of conversation because memories of his abusive childhood made him too upset to listen, so I listened on very sympathetically.
Laurie’s circumstances, which led to a life time of being institutionalised, as a result of negligent authorities, is very distressing...
Randall then came out to the courtyard and told us both to quieten down but I wasn’t the one doing the talking.
As soon as Laurie started sharing his personal circumstances Randall came racing outside and pulled me aside, calling me away from Laurie and into the lounge room; and forced me to take extra medication claiming that I need to calm down???
I asked Randall, “What did I do wrong”, and Randall replied, “I’ve been listening to you all morning and you’ve had pressured speech and you need to calm down”, but I wasn’t the one doing all the talking (I hardly got a word in); and since when did singing give rise to Mental Health Concerns. He said I’ve got a big mouth and I need to learn to keep it shut!
I wanted to type a document on the computer complaining directly to the Chief Psychiatrist Office in Victoria, addressed to Dr Ruth Vine; I was refused by Randall... and therefore, I proceeded to complete another appeal forms instead, to The Mental Health Review Board, in protest.
I believe the following sections of the Mental Health Act, 1986, were not upheld by way of duty of care - 6A Principles of treatment and care; It is the intention of Parliament that the following principles be given effect to with respect to the provision of treatment and care to people with a mental disorder; (g) when receiving treatment and care the age related, gender-related, religious, cultural, language and other special needs of people with a mental disorder should be taken into consideration
AND – 6A(h) the prescription of medication should meet the best health needs of the person with a mental disorder and should be given only for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes and never as a punishment or for the convenience of others.
Monday, 26th September, 2011
I approached Dave and asked him if it’s really all that necessary for me to remain in HD Ward.
I continued; that I have never raised my voice to anyone on the premises and that I did not feel the need for HDU treatment and that I didn’t deserve neither the confinement nor punishment of HDU; Mel (ACN), came out of her office and changed me back over to the Low Dependency Ward.
Tuesday, 4th October, 2011
4th October, 2011 - The day before the adjourned appeal with the Mental Health Review board; I was handed an incriminating report by DHS alleging abuse and neglect, effectively failing my parenting standards. I was concerned that such a report would damage my opportunities to prove my mental stability to medical practitioners and that based on credibility alone, matching up against DHS (with my “Domestic Violent” upbringing), I would without a doubt be unfairly disadvantage; however, a copy was taken against my will and placed in my files.
At approximately 4:45pm, I willingly engaged in conversation with another psychiatrist for a period of an hour and fifteen minutes, unguarded and quite comfortable; I explained that I didn’t like Amy’s work ethics however, was happy to be assessed during conversation for a second openion (if he had the time to listen). I started from the very beginning, the point when my daughter went missing for three days after the forbidden rave party she attended behind my back at fifteen with her 23 year old work supervisor/boyfriend, right up to the point of entry and admission into both the Footscray Emergency Department and the Werribee Mercy Hospital. I further explained that I blocked her bank account from access and removed her mobile phone privileges as a form of discipline, which the department of child protection labelled as neglect...
At the end of our conversation Sandeep stated that there are no signs of a mental illness; however, he did encourage me to provide Amy with the same communication to enable Amy the opportunity to independently assess me.
Sandeep handed me his documentation to be brought in front of the Mental Health Review Board Members tomorrow. It contained incorrect reporting by Amy Rooke, the other consultant psychiatrist, who turned a five minute conversation we had together (on the 19th September, 2011) into incriminating statements that I NEVER SAID – statements that my brother Matthew alleged to medical practitioners dealing with my case; turn of events that he never even witnessed.
I stayed awake till 1am trying to finish reading through the DHS Report, however, due to the volume of information I wasn’t able to complete reading it. I did raise concern with staff on duty about the incriminating content listed on such a report, being false and incorrect and was dismayed as to what point did my son start swearing in his conversation content; as reported by DHS in quotation marks. I was questioning whether DHS may have failed to act impartially because my son is dyslexic and does not swear in his conversation content, nor is he capable of making up such stories (quite a different character to my daughter all together); and under NO circumstances did I ever try to kill my children.
It's not unreasonable to assume that my daughter Kristen was angry at the time of interview; making such accusations against me, (possibly fuelled by my mother) because while on the plane back to Melbourne, my daughter had called me a bi*ch and promised to get me back for telling her employer about her relationship with Sam (a work supervisor eight years her senior) in explaining my daughter’s absence from her work - she was only fifteen. My daughter was also very angry with me for involving the police in her disappearance and informing them of Sam advances, whom she vowed to protect; a grown man who was from a very wealthy family and promised my daughter, who was not yet of a consenting age, to take her to India and buy her the world. I could not have possibly predicted that contact with my mother would educate my daughter on how to play the system against me in order to buy her freedom before her time - I never thought my mother would sink so low, manipulating my daughter at her peak adolescence and then further involving DHS on false pretences to have both my children permanently removed from my care...
If I had to choose between losing my daughter to Sam the Indian Man or losing my daughter to my mother who plays the system very well, I would have chosen my mother because at least this way, she has first world opportunities, equality and free will and her safety is better guaranteed in Australia than in India.
Wednesday, 5th October, 2011
I stood in front of the Mental Health Review Board; the board members had viewed hidden documents that I was not made aware of prior to the hearing and they asked Sandeep twice in my presence, if there are any charges pending and Sandeep said “no” (but judging by the reaction of the board members, I can only assume the documents are of a very serious nature; they did not state what changes they were referring to. I questioned the board members directly about the documents that were withheld from my viewing and they turned their attention to Sandeep and expressed their disappointment for not informing me of such documents prior to this hearing, as they are the major contributing factor for my hospital status.
Unrepresented, I informed the board that the day before the hearing, I requested to view all the documents contained in my file under the Freedom of Information Act and at time of viewing, told by my duty nurse that everything is in the folder but I knew the most important ones had been taken out because they were missing.
The board members called a brief meeting among themselves while Sandeep and I waited outside the room. Upon re-entering, we were informed that it was highly recommended the hearing be adjourned because I was going to need a lawyer to access the hidden documents contained in my file, which are of great concern to the board members who viewed them. I had a pretty good idea what was in them but to contest them in a legal matter, I had to be shown the documents first; they were false an incriminating.
I decided to proceed with the hearing and made a mutual agreement in the presence of the board members to have the hidden documents thrown out from my file and disregarded for the hearing; which was accepted by all three board members who continued on with the hearing.
During communication with the board I contested a document containing incorrect reporting; ...by Amy who turned a five minute conversation we had together (on the 19th September, 2011) into a sentence that put into question not only my parenting standards but also my mental health; statements that I NEVER SAID...
I requested to be taken off section and made voluntary and if not, then to be transferred, as being out of my catchment area, I am effectively isolated.
The board members asked if I think I have a mental illness and I answered with, “I might have or I might not have...” but subject to incorrect reporting is another thing all-together!
The Board members conferred and decided to uphold my current status, despite the fact that I presented well and they further refused to involve themselves in the transfer...
Thursday 6th October, 2011
I was informed by Sandeep about an appointment organised with Forensic Care, scheduled for Monday 10th October, 2011.
I telephoned Forensic Care who was surprised that I only found out about my appointment for Monday, this morning - with only two working day's to act on it. During our conversation I was advised that my attendance was optional and if I choose not to participate, Forensic Care would then have to contact the hospital and cancel their appointment with me and therefore, could not re-schedule; I was however, required to place my intentions in writing as follows:
...I am writing this letter to confirm our conversation, in relation to The Community Forensic Mental Health Service; as appointed by staff here at the Mercy Werribee Hospital and scheduled for Monday 10th October, 2011.
At this stage, I WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING in the above mentioned appointment with you “Forensicare Team”, as I intend to exercise my right to choose a second opinion with a Qualified Psychiatrist of my choice...
I have expressed my concerns to Sandeep with the level of INACCURATE REPORTING by Amy Rooke, the Consultant Psychiatrist here at the Mercy Hospital in Werribee and therefore, do not wish to engage any further with Amy Rooke!
I have requested a transfer to St Vincent’s Hospital in Fitzroy, as Werribee is way out of my catchment area, depriving me of my visitors and much needed support
I have also expressed my intention to ABSOLUTELY CONTEST IN COURT THE FLASE ACCUSATIONS NOTED BY DHS ON CONCURRENT DOCUMENTS – such incriminating reports added to my hospital file; being dyslexic, my son’s complaints are not only out of character but also very rare that he should include swearing in his conversation content, as reported...; My children are old enough to legally give evidence in court/testify their version of events…; due to my mother having long-term relations with a subsidiary branch of DHS, it is not unreasonable to assume that DHS may not have acted impartially and/or that there may be a conflict of interest between the parties involved..; Thank you, Kindly.
Sandeep was in conversation with Forensic Care over the telephone in relation to my letter, as detailed above; who then advised me that the hospital will be going ahead with Forensic Care on Monday 10th October, 2011, in my absence; and further added that Forensic Care will then place an opinion based on the information contained in my files, files that are subject to incorrect reporting and that contain incriminating information provided by my mother, my brother Matthew and a police officer...
Later that afternoon I engaged in conversation with the head consultant psychiatrist, who authorised the transfer and leave to seek legal advice; he couldn't understand why I had been denied such rights.
Friday 7th October, 2011
I requested to speak to Sandeep to confirm my leave time for Monday; I explained my reasons to meet an appointment scheduled for Monday 10th October, 2011, with a barrister who was willing to consider representing my case in relation to “institutional abuse” and “medical negligence – for administering medication for a mental disorder that I have not been diagnosed to have suffered”...
Sandeep declined my leave for Monday. I reminded him that yesterday I was given consent by the head of hospital, who not only authorised a transfer but also leave to seek legal advice and further added that if I am denied my rights against the better judgment of the head of hospital, a leading consultant psychiatrist, I will be forced to abscond and attend the appointment with the barrister on Monday just the same; and then after that I will organise my own transfer should I see fit. He said he's taking his orders from Amy Rook (in her absence); I reminded him that Amy does not hold authority over the head of hospital personnel.
I adked Sandeep if he can communicate directly with the head of hospital on my behalf but he said it's too late, everyone has gone home.
I took a cup of coffee into the back yard, with my legal notepad in the other hand that listed the practising office address for the scheduled legal appointment on Monday and sat for while...
I was warned on the quiet that 'they are going to put me back in isolation and are organising their excuses to present to the head of hospital who allowed my transfer and leave for Monday - 'they need to shut me up because I am right' she said...'
Refusing to lie down, I jumped the fence without any further consideration to staff routine times and ran off to the neighbouring train station; in the process I dropped my notepad because my hands were shaking so much from cutting them on the barb wire edges of the fence. I tore the hospital gown I had on and turned it into three parts and turned it upside down to change it's colour. Out of it I made a skirt, a top and a scarf and I ran for my life. I always come first in school sports for long distance running and was The School Sports Captain in year twelve, representing all year levels, but I never realised I could get any faster until this day. My spirit took over and my body went numb and my mind knew exactly where it was going without thinking.
IN CONCLUSION
I was deemed depressed as a result of an event (losing my children), by another leading consultant psychiatrist; and not psychotic, not schizophrenic and certainly not a danger to the community - a more accurate diagnosis by someone who did their job, who did not deem medication necessary.
IN LIFE, I REALISE THAT IT’S NOT ABOUT MONEY, IT’S ABOUT ACHIEVING HAPPINESS TOGETHER AND I AM VERY CAPABLE OF THIS; AND THE RIGHT TO MY CHILDREN THAT I HAVE SPENT THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE RAISING AS A SINGLE PARENT FOR SO MANY SUCCESSFUL YEARS WITH NO HELP FOR NO ONE.
FURTHERMORE, I CAN NOT HELP THE HAND I WAS DEALT AS A CHILD IN MY MOTHER’S CARE, HOWEVER, MY CHILDREN ARE THE ONLY FAMILY I’VE EVER HAD THAT I CAN RELY ON TO LOVE ME!
Disclaimer: This document may be subject to error’s - all notification of changes that may be deemed necessary will be posted online via linked and Facebook profile belonging to the author/sender of this article; first produced on 28th September, 2011 and last edited for the purpose of publishing the material on-line, on 19th August, 2015; posted online via website (http://voicebohx.wix.com/anne) and Linkedin Profile and The Voicebohx Facebook Add-on Page. This document is copyright protected © to Anne Agius (Gelicrisio).
