ST: Parents' dilemma over mental patient

The usual u 'cannot downgrade' problem...


"Because of the urgency and seriousness of her condition two years ago, I took her to IMH for treatment without referral. Hence, at the moment she is still a full-paying, non-subsidised patient at IMH. Does it mean TTSH has stopped taking subsidised patients? She will be accepted as a full-paying patient."


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Nov 5, 2007
Parents' dilemma over mental patient
MY DAUGHTER has suffered from depression for a number of years. Two weeks ago, we went to see a polyclinic doctor to get a referral to see a psychiatrist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). We were told this was not possible. The reason given by TTSH - it has too many subsidised psychiatric patients - is unacceptable.
My daughter was asked to go back to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for treatment. She has been there for a number of years. Most of the time, as parent and caregiver, I have to ensure she follows up on her treatment. She intensely dislikes travelling the long distance because of lethargy arising from her illness. I have to spend many frustrating hours persuading her to go to IMH but she always resists. It is frustrating to take her there, even by taxi which is costly. Often, the parent has to go to IMH on her behalf. Besides the patient, the caregiver is also under tremendous stress. My daughter prefers to go to a nearer place. Because of the urgency and seriousness of her condition two years ago, I took her to IMH for treatment without referral. Hence, at the moment she is still a full-paying, non-subsidised patient at IMH.
Does it mean TTSH has stopped taking subsidised patients? She will be accepted as a full-paying patient. But she has not been in full employment since she graduated and came down with depression. Only her parents as caregivers can take care of her, but what if we are not around?
The healthy minds campaign is on, but it defeats the purpose as there are sufferers out there besides my daughter.
Catherine Tham Kuen (Mdm)
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_173608.html