BEVYN Dempsey became a consumer consultant with Albury Wodonga Health, wanting to help others with mental illness access the help they need.
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Having lived with mental illness himself, Mr Dempsey’s role has been to relate to patients as a peer rather than as a medical practitioner.
But he has resigned from the role, frustrated he could not remain as a supporter for one of his clients who was getting weekend treatment at hospital.
Mr Dempsey is concerned there is insufficient assistance for patients with mental illnesses once released from hospital.
He believes that is part of the reason for recent Department of Health figures which showed only 39 per cent of patients in the North East had made contact with a mental health service before being admitted to hospital.
There is now a review of the consumer consultant role vacated by Mr Dempsey, which is planned for completion at the end of the month.
Wodonga has also received funding for the provision of a Prevention and Recovery Care facility in the city from next year and hopefully both measures will supplement and support existing services for those with mental illness.