Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley Mental Health Team - Dartford

Hannah T.

Absolutely awful service. Admitted twice to hospital with suicide. Came here and they asked me if I had problems with food, I said yes, they then asked me to weigh myself. They asked me HOW my fried committed suicide, no empathy, nothing. No communication around how things are going to work. I turned up the first time no one had anything written down about my apt. Every time they call me, I cry.
Avoid at all costs.
Go elsewhere.

Jacqui F.

They get a referral as your’e actively suicidal, they deflect it to some telephone service that tell you they cannot manage you. You wait for another referral and they then agree to see you. You spend an hour trying to explain the issues, you admit to self harm, they tell you your case needs discussion with the wider team and that they’ll call with a plan. They never call.
I want to believe there is a reason other than gross incompetence, cut backs, staff shortages but there truly isn’t. It’s an inept service that increases the risk of self harm and suicide amongst the most vulnerable of society.

Bobby W.

Have to say this is by far the worst place I have ever had to receive mental health treatment… you leave feeling more triggered than when you entered it’s diabolical 1 yr and 3 months I have been awaiting help here to be put back to the start again … the place is run by idiots I won’t be attending any more rather deal with my mental health on my own …. It’s a dump

Jessica

Case worker didn’t show up three times to meetings, upped medication and had no follow ups and senior managements never got in touch when a complaint was made. Shocking experience for a service funded by the government to support the most vulnerable within the community. I have reported to CQC.

Leith I.

they not fit for purpose, looked through the review from recently-going yrs and yrs. there has been reviews of them making up information that has not been discussed. There has been reviews where it states they made Thier lives more worse and hellish. There has been reviews of them playing games with ppls lives and helping the odd one. Generally once the got you on the bait they don't want you live a good life. they grossly over paid in comparison to other parts of the NHS they don't even do 3/10 of the work other NHS staff do in other sectors.. you would be shocked how much they get paid, from the "Dr's" to the nurses that are spot junior

Zhenya G.

In my case I found it really helpful. Jessica is really nice and kind soul. I also have seen by Lewis that helped me with my childhood traumas. He has been really important part in building my self-esteem. I feel in such a good place at the moment. Thank you very much. I wish I could help others the way I was helped. Stay kind to each other.

H

This place is by far the worst and beyond bottom of the barrel. The mental health staff lack empathy, compassion and integrity. From lying about you not showing up to unknown appointments to writing false statements on documents to pass you back to the GP. If you feel suicidal or are in desperate need for someone to talk to SEEK HELP ELSEWHERE!!! This place should be locked down and throughly investigated. Such a shame really because other organizations under the nhs like adapt at Erith Hospital or Bexley home team is next level. They CARE! They SHOW UP! They ACTUALLY HELP!!

Nanna K.

I give the three stars to the reception staff and the doctors who have assisted me with my medication. Some of the staff there are working hard in what is often a thankless job, probably for peanuts, I do not envy them. It's not their fault, the system is failing both patients and staff.

The mental health aspect is where this service falls short, as the initial focus is mainly on following a CBT script and noting down how you feel on a number scale after being on a long waiting list, during which time you'll become more frustrated as a patient.

While initial assessments are made to understand the patient better, the following sessions are not tailored to the individual, which also means staff cannot speak freely or openly. You cannot "unlock" more specialised help until further down the line at which point it might be too late for some.

I blame the lack of funding to the NHS for this, as it creates long waiting lists, impersonal guidelines, red tape and rules I'm assuming staff must follow to keep their jobs, not to mention a lack of education. Mental health services are mostly an administrative nightmare.

In terms of medication, I have no complaints. I was able to get what I needed quickly and they have been good at contacting my GP to explain the situation.