A doctor in Alymer, Ont., is speaking out after facing barriers to get outpatient mental health care for a 12-year-old patient identified as being at high risk for self-harm.

Dr. Michael Fernando is a general practitioner who took over as the family doctor for the girl last summer. Her mother has given Fernando permission to speak to CBC News about her health issues. CBC has agreed not to publish the girl’s name because she is a minor.

Fernando said that in assessing the patient, it was clear she needed extensive mental health supports, including outpatient care from a child psychologist.

“The mental health concerns were very severe,” said Fernando.

Over the past year, the girl’s parents had twice taken her to the emergency room for treatment for hallucinations and a desire for self-harm. She was provided a safety plan by doctors, but did not have a referral for outpatient care from a child psychologist.

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CBC News
November 27, 2023