The shortage of mental health resources is one of the major reasons for overcrowding and long wait times in North Carolina’s emergency rooms (ERs). When mental health facilities do not have enough funding or capacity, people in crisis end up in the ER. This surge of patients overwhelms most ERs, causing delays and a lack of quality medical care for all patients.
ERs do not have the resources to handle mental health crises
ER staff and medical providers are great at dealing with physical health emergencies, but mental health issues need special knowledge and training. Without this training, ER staff might have trouble assessing and treating mental health patients, which can lead to misdiagnoses, wrong treatments or even neglect.
Moreover, the lack of resources like dedicated psychiatric units or on-call mental health professionals makes it harder for ERs to provide good care. This gap in training and resources can lead to delayed care and inadequate monitoring, especially for those at risk of self-harm or suicide.
It can be difficult to communicate mental health concerns
Effective communication is vital in healthcare, especially during mental health crises. Unfortunately, breakdowns in communication between mental health providers and ER staff are common. These issues can happen because of a lack of standardized protocols, poor information sharing or the high-pressure environment of the ER.
When medical providers miss crucial details about a patient’s mental health history, current medications or specific needs, it can lead to treatment errors. A patient might receive medicine that reacts badly with their current prescriptions. A doctor may also misunderstand symptoms, which can result in releasing a patient without the necessary support or care.
Your mental health matters
While these issues are beyond the ER staff’s control, they must still deliver or direct patients toward proper treatment. Experiencing misdiagnosis or delayed care can profoundly impact your mental health and well-being. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to errors in the ER, remember that you have the right to seek justice.