Illicit drug use is a problem on some open mental health wards, Western Australia’s chief psychiatrist has told a coronial inquest
Nathan Gibson has prepared reports for the state coroner on the deaths of two patients, Anthony Edwards and Michael Thomas, from the Alma Street clinic in Fremantle.
The coroner is examining the deaths, as well as the suicides of three other patients linked to the centre between 2011 and 2012.
Anthony Edwards, 26, took his life the day after being discharged from involuntary care at the clinic.
Dr Gibson was questioned about whether a transition period on an open ward would have been a better alternative than discharge.
He told the court that in his experience, it was not uncommon to move people straight from involuntary treatment to community care.
“Sadly, … despite attempts to prevent this, there are drugs available to patients if they look hard enough around mental health units,” Dr Gibson said.
He said that was usually why doctors did not put patients on open wards for extended periods.
Dr Gibson said he was not specifically referring to Mr Edwards’ case.
He said there was a lack of “clarity” surrounding follow-ups with recently discharged mental health patients.
Dr Gibson told the court at the time of Mr Edwards’ release, there were still concerns about his mental state.
He said he would have expected someone to arrange a follow-up appointment within 24 hours.
However, there were no protocols in place to suggest exactly who should conduct follow-ups with discharged patients.