P.A. mother fears for daughter’s life after suicide attempts
A report from the provincial auditor last week criticized the former Prince Albert Parkland Health Region for long wait times for mental health and addictions patients, and a Prince Albert woman told paNOW she and her daughter know about the issue firsthand.
Kelly Roode said her 15-year-old daughter has attempted suicide on several occasions in recent months, and she’s had a real struggle getting help.
“I’m grieving for a child who is still here,” Roode said.
Roode said she was left feeling helpless after she was told her daughter could have to wait at least two months to see a counselor. Brett Enns, executive director of primary care with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, told paNOW those lengthy wait times typically only happened after the patients were assessed as lower risk, though Roode said her daughter was admitted to the mental health unit at Victoria Hospital as recently as last week and did not speak with a counselor.