‘Passion and empathy’ are two of the words consumer consultant Julie Dempsey uses to describe what she contributes to her role at Forensicare.
Julie works at Thomas Embling Hospital, a 116-bed secure forensic mental health hospital.
Most patients, she explains, are from the criminal justice system, either transferred from the prison system or ordered by the courts to be detained for psychiatric assessment, care and treatment.
Julie herself has lived experience in the mental health system since 1982, including numerous involuntary admissions and ECT treatment.
‘Because I’ve personally experienced what many of the patients are going through, I think I bring credibility and insight to my work here.'
Julie Dempsey
‘Knowing what it’s like from the other side of the fence helps me to now build relationships with nurses and staff, collaborating with them rather than seeing them as a sort of opposition.’
Julie, who is also the Chair of the Victorian Women’s Mental Health Network Victoria, has just won the 2014 Victorian Public Healthcare Award for outstanding achievement by an individual or team in mental healthcare. She says she is still on a high, even a month later.
‘It’s a fantastic acknowledgement and great recognition of the consumer movement, as it’s the first time a consumer has won this award. It’s also wonderful for Forensicare, as they’ve always been very supportive of consumer involvement at all levels of their services.’
Working as a consumer consultant
‘My role involves facilitating consumer groups so that there is practical feedback on how services are working. As many people are here for a long time, they risk being institutionalised, and often need a lot of support to regain their voice,’ Julie says.
‘Coming here can feel very scary, especially when you’re being treated against your will. It can be overwhelming having some of your rights taken away.’
Julie convenes consumer groups where patients can give their viewpoint on how policies and processes are affecting their daily life. ‘We’re always looking for a balance between the hospital’s concerns around risks and safety, and the comfort and independence of patients wherever possible.’
Julie says the rewards of her role include seeing people develop, progress and change, growing as individuals and learning how to manage their illness more effectively.
Changes with the new Mental Health Act 2014
While the new Mental Health Act does not govern the treatment of all the people at Thomas Embling, there are some significant areas where it is bringing change. Julie cites the fact that the tribunal must now scrutinise and approve ECT as a step forward as there are now new safeguards and an increased focus on a person’s capacity to consent to a treatment.
Julie says a potential of the new Act that can now be tapped is the ability to make advanced statements. She has been involved in training in how these can be utilised for individuals to state their own treatment preferences and spell out what hasn’t worked for them or caused them distress in the past.
‘If treating doctors do feel they must still impose a treatment that a person has specifically asked not to be given, the person can then request a written statement of the reasons. It makes the system more accountable, open and transparent,’ Julie says.
Updated