"I wasn't treated as an individual"

I found this an absolutely diabolical service.

I was transferred to Sunderland North Community Team mid 2015 and I wished I hadn't. When transferred took place I was just told that we do things differently here. No one told me that you don't get to see a psychiatrist unless they think you need to see one. They never can make their own decisions always stating they need to refer back to the team. They now have joint appointment with 2 professionals in with you, even if you tell them that you don't want that and prefer to see someone on their own. According to the Equality Act 2010 it states reasonable adjustments, yet they will not do this.

I have made a complaint and the reply was in reverse psychology and no apology for their actions, words or lack of information was given.

The problems I have encountered since going onto this team are:

A psychiatrist dismissing everything my previous psychiatrist had told them. This doctor refused (twice), appointments even though I had never met them. Unfortunately I have problems with medications becoming less effective over time, if this doctor knew me they would have known this.

The other Psychiatrist based here basically called me a liar, even though I had an advocate with me and they heard the same information. They basically told me I had 30 minutes appointment before they sat down, making me feel that I was wasting their time. They gave misleading information about medication and the side effects. This psychiatrist could not make another appointment for themselves as they said they need to refer to the team. I felt that this doctor was not interested in what I had to say and relied on previous CPN's notes, and the appointment was to make the teams official figures look good.

A CPN based here wrote a care plan out without my input and there was a few things wrong which they knew about. When I told them they just said they means in the future, which I told him wasn't going to happen. They tried to bully me into getting a family member involved, even though they have known for years (mentioned in psychiatrist notes in 2012) that I don't have a good relationship with this person. They constantly failed to listen to me, I even stopped volunteering, slimming club and the gym, yet they did nothing. I mentioned medication and still they refused to refer me on to someone else. They lied to me and said I was getting a new CPN then at the next appointment they said that I would not be getting anyone. The final letter from them still mentioned get my family member involved, a final bullying tactic.

An occupational therapist that constantly asked question after question, giving you no time to think and reply. I felt that they was reading out of a book and tried CBT with me, even though it been stated (2012) that this has no effect on me.

Needless to say with the problems with these people I have asked not to see them again. As, I don't think they can provide adequate care and understanding of my mental health problems. I have been told that I can see another Psychiatrist but it would be based in Houghton and they will not provide help with transport to get there. They even said that this Psychiatrist cannot see me at Monkwearmouth.

I was given a occupational therapist last year and they are off sick since late November. I have tried to get to see someone yet all they give me is a psychologist and the OT that I did not want to see again. I requested to speak to the psychologist by themselves, yet I was refused. The reason was that is not the way they do things. What makes this worse is that I been put on new medication 3 months ago and increased a month later and I have had terrible side effects and can not get the help that I need, unless it on their terms.

I wouldn't wish anyone to use this department, they cannot and will not treat you as an individual.