Michael Irlam

Senior Clinical and Forensic Psychologist was engaged to conduct a Post Incident Review & Report: That report concluded at page 31 'Putting the patient first perceived gaps from the patient perspective' that a waiting time of 24 days between discharge from CRHTT the first appointment with IAPT could not be construed as a delay: This issue that arose at the Inquest hearing was the potential for a of abandonment because of the discharge without any knowledge of how long_it would be_ face and feeling before the next contact; of having to wait for the next stage/step without knowing when that would be. Mrs Irlam was clear that her husband deteriorated over this period despite the close, and loving, support provided by her and their family: That her husband found this & most distressing and difficult time_ Even if the Review Panel do not consider a waiting time of 3 weeks plus to be a delay for someone with mental health issues take the view that a waiting time of 2 weeks without knowing the next contact for helpltreatment will be is not appropriate My concern is for the welfare of other patients who will fall into this gap between treatmentslcounselling unlike Mr Irlam, do not have a close and supportive family and the effect on them: : (1) That if a follow-up with or referral to IAPT (or any other organisation) is deemed appropriate upon discharge from CRHTT then such an appointment should be arranged before or upon discharge. (2) (3)