Guernsey mental health system 'needs urgent changes'

Health authorities say people at risk should be seen within 24 hours of a referral

Serious changes need to be made in the way mental health is treated in Guernsey, according to the founder of a support group.

Lauren Ellis, 20, started a Facebook group for people with mental health problems in the island.

She says she was treated appallingly and mental health is not treated as seriously as physical health.

Colin Vine, manager for mental health, said that was not true and mental health was taken very seriously.

Mr Vine, from the health and social services department (HSSD), said: "I feel upset hearing that as I think we've really strived to put mental health on the agenda, we take it very seriously.

"We introduced a new mental health law to bring us above the UK in legislation and have close ties with A&E as well so we can pick up referrals straight away."

Miss Ellis said the Guernsey health service had let her and others with mental health problems down.

She said: "I had seven scars on my arms before I asked for help. My nephew counted them and there are over 80.

"I've had stitches for the marks. The A&E staff were amazing and would talk to me.

"They would send off an urgent report. I saw my GP weekly and she would send off urgent reports. Nothing from health."

Dr Joseph Rodrigues, from HSSD, said Guernsey had better mental health provision than the UK.

One of the members of the Facebook group said she had to wait a long time to be seen.

She said: "I have suffered from depression from a very young age as a result of my appearance and from being bullied.

"I went to primary care for my depression and had to wait ages for a response. I was referred and had to wait again for a slot to come free."