George Leondiou has spoken out about systemic failures in mental health care after the death of his son Corey, saying “our system failed him” and vowing to push for change to prevent further tragedies.
Corey Leondiou, a 24-year-old Flinders University medical student who wanted to become a doctor to help people in crisis, died by suicide on November 8, three days after seeking help at Lyell McEwin Hospital.
He had presented with suicidal thoughts but was told he faced a minimum five-hour wait for care. Fearing a voluntary admission could affect his future career, he left the hospital.
“There’s no immediate care or support,” Mr Leondiou said.
“A psychologist rang up and gave a full report while we were on the way up there and we got ignored… He’d always be there for others but unfortunately our system failed him.”
Corey had been struggling with mental health issues, financial stress, chronic health problems and a relationship breakdown.
In the week before his death, he was repeatedly told there was a three-week wait to see a psychologist before finally securing an appointment, after which urgent hospital care was recommended.
Mr Leondiou said his family is now channelling its grief into advocacy. “My boy didn’t die for nothing,” he said.
“There’s not enough support for people going through a hard time… It’s only a matter of time before another family goes through this.”
SA Health said it was extending condolences to the family, confirming the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network is conducting a formal review, alongside an independent investigation by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, and reiterated that it is “continually looking at ways we can improve the system.”
Source: The Advertiser.
