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DimitySenior Contributor
An interesting read on many levels.
Ramping remains stubbornly high, and a doctor who was silenced has now spoken out - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-15/doctor-megan-brooks-gives-insight-into-sa-ramping/105048490
One small gem lurking deep in the article: 20 out of 35 beds blocked can be due to mental health access block. And the blockage can last days.
We MUST do better.
@RachSANECEO @tyme
In response to: On ramping and access block in SA
tymeModerator
It's so so so true. I've seen it many times with my own eyes. At least 2 paramedics with each person, and often 1-2 police for some people. In my head, I'm thinking, "These people can be saving lives out there, yet they are here waiting around, and often for HOURS".
@Dimity , it's a huge issue.
In response to: Re: On ramping and access block in SA
MJG017Senior Contributor
@tyme @Dimity
As someone who lives in Adelaide, I remember the current state government campaigning strongly on fixing ramping. The hospital I go to is having major work done at the moment with apparently a large 7-story acute services wing with about 100 new beds, which may improved things when it's done. But much more needs to be done right now. It should never get to this point before this projects are started.
In response to: Re: On ramping and access block in SA
tymeModerator
It's certainly not just an SA issue @MJG017 @Dimity ... I agree it should've never got to this point.
In response to: Re: On ramping and access block in SA
MJG017Senior Contributor
@tyme @Dimity
Yes, i highly doubted it was just an SA issue. It seems most governments will only fund these improvements when the situation gets bad enough that it becomes a big enough political issue. Then by the time they're done, populations have increased, gotten older, and we're back where we started.
In response to: Re: On ramping and access block in SA
DimitySenior Contributor
Dunno @MJG017 I happen to think competent governments monitor review plan and budget for population needs, and respond in times of crisis. They can be asked (expected?) to report on and justify their actions. It's called accountability.
In response to: On ramping and access block in SA
AuntJobiskaSenior Contributor
It's certainly a disaster and a tragedy when floridly psychotic people spend days in ED.... But my experience working in an Adelaide psych ED was that genuine mental illness was rare, pretty much everyone was there for ye olde "life difficulties" aka "shitty life syndrome" (plus the ubiquitous drug induced psychosis)... and I'm firmly of the opinion that propounding the idea that suicidal people should go to the ED is an idiotic rod to beat our backs with... There's absolutely no evidence that detaining people who are suicidal saves their lives, no-one can tell who is going to go on and complete suicide, (risk assessments are useless... from the head of psych ED, you do them to cover your arse)... And as for the person who thought they'd drop into ED and get their anxiety checked out!!! But once a suicidal individual gets to ED, there's a whole heap of arse covering that gets triggered, and they may end up clogging up the ED due to risk management requirements (psychiatrists aren't known as risk sponges or risk Teflon for nothing)...
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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