Case Studies / IMHA Client F

IMHA Client F

Client F is subject to a Community Treatment Order (CTO). F had requested representation from an IMHA at an upcoming Hospital Manager’s Hearing. When the IMHA met with F, it became apparent that the main concern was in relation to medication rather than the continuation of the CTO. The IMHA explained that the purpose of the hearing was to review whether the CTO was to continue but that the Hospital Manager’s would sometimes make recommendations about other issues, so this could be raised on their behalf.

Barriers faced in being heard:

F had been experiencing a number of side effects as a result of medication for several months. F had raised this issue several times with members of the care team but felt that the concerns were not being taken seriously. F’s Responsible Clinician was unwilling to review the medication, stating that they felt that it was benefiting F.

F told the IMHA that they were not refusing medication, but would prefer to be prescribed an alternative medication which cause less side effects.

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Advocacy undertaken:

  • This issue was raised on behalf of F during the Hospital Manager’s Hearing.

Outcomes:

The Hospital Manager’s made a recommendation that the side effects F was experiencing should not be ignored, and that this issue should be looked into closely by the care team.

F informed the IMHA that it had meant a lot to them that the Hospital Manager’s had listened to the concerns about the side effects being experienced and of the impact that the medication was having on quality of life.

As a result of the hearing, the CMHT have given F a review appointment so that this issue can be looked into in more detail.