Advertisement

Woman says suicidal friend not getting help needed from Halifax emergency room

Click to play video: 'Woman says suicidal friend not getting help needed from Halifax emergency room'
Woman says suicidal friend not getting help needed from Halifax emergency room
WATCH ABOVE: A Halifax woman says she’s scared her friend could die if the Nova Scotia Health Authority doesn’t step in. Global’s Steve Silva reports – Apr 19, 2016

A woman says her friend has been turned away from the QEII hospital emergency room in Halifax despite telling health professionals she’s going to commit suicide.

“I don’t know how to feel. I feel shocked. I’m really shocked,” said Lianne Perry Tuesday afternoon.

A video journalist for Global News met the friend, a woman in her 20s, in question; she said she didn’t want to be identified.

Story continues below advertisement

Perry, who tweeted about the situation, said the friend arrived at the hospital Monday night and was seen by several staff members.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The friend was was eventually told she didn’t need help, said Perry.

“We were actually asked to leave or we would be forcibly removed, and that was by the psychiatrist who came in,” said Perry, who arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning after being asked for help by the friend.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority, which doesn’t comment on specific cases, wasn’t available for an interview but said in a statement, “It is determined by the psychiatrist if the individual requires an admission to inpatient services and would benefit from an admission.”

Perry said she would call the Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team or 911.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices