source : the age
A “desperate” Perth mother whose 18-year-old daughter died hours after being discharged from a Perth mental health hospital has been refused a government payout for ongoing private therapy.
Stacey Hildebrandt’s daughter Hailee died in January after being granted overnight leave from an adult mental health ward at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
A hospital report after Hailee’s death outlined several issues, including how Hailee had told hospital staff “several times” that she would kill herself on discharge.
Following the report, Health Minister Meredith Hammat ordered an independent investigation into Hailee’s death by the chief psychiatrist. A report is also being prepared for the coroner.
In the months following her daughter’s death, Stacey sought an “act of grace” payment from the South Metropolitan Health Service – the health network that represents Fiona Stanley – to help her family access private psychological care as they navigated their grief and the ongoing investigations.
An act of grace payment can be approved in “special circumstances” by the treasurer, according to the Financial Management Act.
On March 6, the single mother was paid a one-off $3000 act of grace payment, for herself and her two children, aged 12 and 11. But Stacey said they had used all the sessions by July.
The Australian Psychological Society, the peak body for psychologists, suggests clinicians charge $300 for a 60-minute session.
At those rates, the payment covers three to four sessions each for Stacey and her two children.
Stacey said since asking for further financial support, she has been referred by SMHS to the public health system or crisis lines.
“I’m asking for enough support to make sure my children and I can get independent psychological care while we deal with the death of Hailee and the investigations into what happened,” she said.
“I don’t understand how I could put my children or myself back in the care of a system that has failed us so catastrophically and traumatised us beyond words.
“There is absolutely no trust left.”
Stacey Hildebrandt
“At this point I’m desperate. I can’t believe I am still fighting for help. My poor kids just see me cry every single night.”
This masthead has seen several emails between Stacey and senior health officials and Hammat.
An email to Stacey from WA Health Clinical Excellence Division deputy director general Dr Lesley Bennett says: “We do not consider that an additional payment is justified in these circumstances.”
“In reaching this decision, we have considered our responsibility to ensure resources allocated to the health system are used to provide care and services for the Western Australian community.”
WA Health did not answer questions by this masthead as to why the payment was refused and what criteria was used to make the decision.
“We acknowledge the profound grief and distress being experienced by Ms Hildebrandt and her family following the loss of their loved one, Hailee, and extend our sincere condolences,” the spokesperson said.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that the findings of the independent reviews inform ongoing improvements to mental health services in Western Australia.”
Stacey raised the SHMS decision with Hammat, who said it was “not appropriate” for her to override it, in an email seen by this masthead.
It is understood the health minister is considering a request by Stacey for an ex-gratia payment, which is a separate payment that can be applied for and considered by cabinet.
In response to questions from this masthead, Hammat said Hailee’s death was subject to a thorough, independent review which considered a range of factors, including the clinical treatment she received.
“I want to acknowledge the immense pain of those who loved Hailee, and I want to assure them that the findings of this review are being treated with the seriousness they warrant,” she said.
Hammat said the ex-gratia payment request was being considered through the established process.
Crisis support is available from Lifeline 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
*The reporter shares no relation to Stacey Hildebrandt.
Carla Hildebrandt is a journalist with WAtoday. She previously worked on ABC’s Four Corners and as a court reporter at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney. For secure contact: carlahildebrandt@proton.me.Connect via email.
