I'm a Registered Nurse, mental health endorsed, qualified in that speciality (and working in the area), since 1978. That's 31 years. I started my training in 1975 (when I was 18), and I'm nearly 53 now. Over that time, I've seen a lot, including suicides and extreme despair. I didn't come down with the last shower. I've also just read the expert assessment of Schapelle Corby's Australian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillips, and watched his
recent interview on Channel 7's Morning Show (20th Dec 2009). This guy knows exactly what he's talking about, and I am shocked and appalled beyond measure that an Australian citizen has been completely abandoned, as regards life-saving treatment and care, by the people we pay our taxes to protect us. Rudd et al, are you listening?
Schapelle Corby is suffering from a life threatening psychotic depression that could kill her at any time. This isn't just "Nerves," or "Feeeling a bit bad." This is a whole different ball game. This is a waking dream, or rather, a waking nightmare. All hope is lost, and bizarre beliefs and terrors haunt every conscious moment. Death welcomes as the only way out, thus the risk of suicide (if left untreated), is off the scale. If Schapelle was in prison in Australia right now, she would have been transferred out to a secure psychiatric facility immediately, and she would have qualified nurse by her side 24 hours a day. In other words, she would be "Specialled," to prevent her from harming herself, and a psychiatric registrar would monitor her mental state every day. Further, her medication would be administered by qualified nursing staff, who would also give expert intervention and support round the clock.
But what's Schapelle getting for this life-threatening illness? I'll you tell what she's getting, bugger all. Nothing. Zero. Her anti-depressant medication is merely "Given" to her by another inmate, which personally leaves me open-mouthed with astonishment. The potential abuses, and just plain ignorance (and neglect), inherent in this shoddy "Care" are mind-boggling. Fancy trying that system here Queensland Corrections? I don't think so . . . Schapelle could wander off this mortal coil any given second, with every fat cat Government minister deliberately looking the other way.
So here are some pointed questions to my local Federal Member, Brett Raguse, cc every media outlet in his constituency.
1. Brett, do you dispute that Schapelle Corby is suffering from a life-threatening psychotic depression?
2. Do you dispute my description above, as regards how an inmate in the Australian prison system would be treated, if they had a similar life-threatening illness?
3. Do you dispute the level of risk to Schapelle Corby's life that I have described above?
4. Why is Schapelle Corby not being monitored (round the clock), by appropriately qualified medical and nursing staff?
5. When will Schapelle Corby be monitored (round the clock), by appropriately qualified medical and nursing staff?