Complaints about mental health care

People who have been involuntarily admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act, and disagree with the decision can make an appeal to the Mental Health Review Tribunal. The Health Care Complaints Commission is unable to assist with complaints about decisions made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal. The Mental Health Advocacy Service or the Official Visitors may be able to provide further information and assistance.

MAKING A COMPLAINT TO THE COMMISSION

People who have been involuntarily admitted have the same rights to complain about their health care and treatment as any other patient. They can speak to their doctor, or the medical superintendent, the manager of the service, or an Official Visitor. They also have the same right as any other person to complain to the Health Care Complaints Commission about issues of care and treatment such as:

• lack of information about their condition, treatment or treatment plan
• medication issues
• problems in communication with their treating team, doctor or case manager
• lack of physical health care or access to physical health care
• issues concerning restraint or seclusion
• issues of care – attitude, lack of care, delay in care
• problems with discharge planning or refusal to admit

You can lodge your complaint online or speak to an Inquiry Officer on 1800 043 159 for further information.