The ACT Coroner has urged mental-health authorities and the Australian National University to cooperate more closely after a young student killed himself while living on campus in 2018.He had been hospitalised several weeks before his death because he cut himselfJoshua* took his life in his room at a residential hall between late July and mid-August 2018. He was 18 years old.
"Joshua's parents are haunted by the feeling that, if they had known that he was effectively without professional engagement or support, they could have done more to intervene," the coroner said."They could have done no more than they did." He recommended both agencies rethink their policies, and set practical rather than inspirational goals, including on the transfer of care.
However, his most significant recommendation concerned information sharing and ACT government advice to health workers about how much of a patient's personal information they could disclose.
Really sad story. Wish things went differently for Josh.
Very curious if this is the same student that intentionally set their apartment alight in student accommodation? They were (deservedly) kicked out and billed for the damage.
Some people who are contemplating suicide will go through with it whatever help or support they might have access to, it’s just a fact you can’t help or save them they want to die so they do
Tragedy.
Coroner calls for charges* fixt for coroner
It's going to get worse. This government is not going to continue subsidising mental health. Now, instead of 20 sessions, there will only be 10 go figure.