Finding into death of J L

Contributing factors

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Suicidal ideation with planning
• Family discord and parent-child relationship difficulties
• Inadequate continuity of care when escalation to tertiary services identified
• Failure to verify access to recommended mental health services
• Psychologist did not follow up with GP or patient after identifying need for higher level of care
• Insufficient treatment available under GP Mental Health Care Plan for eating disorders
• Patient and parent did not action recommendations for tertiary mental health services

Coroner's recommendations

1. To improve access to services and continuity of care for patients deemed to be vulnerable and/or at risk, the Australian Psychological Society should advise its members that when confronted with evidence of a problem or situation beyond their capacity, or when a client is not benefiting from their psychological services, psychologists should take reasonable steps to ensure that the patient has been able to access the recommended alternate services if they choose to do so, and/or provide a handover to another health professional (such as a general practitioner) who can ensure that the patient is able to access the recommended services and can assist them to manage any barriers to accessing appropriate care.