Victor P Taffa

For the second time in my life some people in both the New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party and NSW Police have overseen my forced hospitalisation in the Parkview Unit, Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde, Sydney.

Royal North Shore Hospital 2010

The drama with RNSH began in September 2009. I had a consultation with them and they were getting on my nerves. I did not attend a December 2009 consultation.

On more than one occasion since 2007 I had said “I do not want to be a professional patient.”

Instead of concern for my welfare some people sought to place me in a Psychiatric Hospital because they did not want me in Parliament. I had a green R.T.A. driving form to be filled out on an annual basis. This was required because I had suffered seizures that were not caused by epilepsy.

During a visit to RNSH I asked about a return to Taxi Driving. The Doctor said “Victor I had a patient who suffered seizures and I let him return to driving.” I was never afforded this luxury.

In March 2009 the completion of the form was a formality however in 2010 RNSH wanted to try to stop me from going to Newcastle. On 5 March 2010 RNSH ‘grilled me’ and when I got home the Ryde Community Mental Health Team were at my door. On March 5 2010 RNSH Registrar Psychologist Doctor said “We can organise someone up there for you.”

This was in reference to having a Community Mental Health Team looking after me in Newcastle. I had mentioned that I would be contesting the seat of Newcastle at the 2011 State election. RNSH opposed my desire to ever serve in Parliament. RNSH had already decided to have me ‘rounded up’ long before 26 March 2010.

Looking back on the events from September 2009 and 5 March 2010 onwards it would appear as though some people sought to recreate as close as possible the conditions of my health of 2007.

Royal North Shore Hospital 2007

In late May 2007 I was driving a taxi and felt unwell on the Thursday. I took the Friday off and went to the Blue Mountains to Leura with Mum, Dad and my Sister. Had I not gone with my family to Leura they would have come home to find me dead.

During the weekend I continued to feel unwell and my balance disappeared. I could not feed myself and the family were concerned at my state. During the Saturday night I went to the toilet in the middle of the night and became disorientated. In the morning the family found me curled up in a corner of the bedroom as I was unable to get back into the bed.

The family rang my first cousin who is a Doctor and he advised the family to get me to Royal North Shore Hospital.

I was taken to RNSH and to this day do not remember the trip from Leura to ST. Leonards. The Doctors’ diagnosed Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. I was asked and agreed to a HIV blood test. Many days later and while still in the dark as to the result I followed the Doctors’ around the ward asking about the result. Doctors’ did not put me on HIV medication immediately and I questioned the Social Worker as to when this would occur.

Looking back on what has occurred at both Ryde Hospital and RNSH it is obvious that Doctors’ and Nurses’ are homophobic and this coloured their treatment of me.

My blood test results indicated how ill I really was and almost clinically dead. I remained in RNSH for 3 weeks and once HIV medication began to start to heal me I suffered seizures in July 2007. I suffered these alone initially and always at night and while awake.

The first sign of a seizure was when you start to drop something out of your hand without explanation. Paper slipped out of my hand and I went to bed. I rang my parents and they advised me to keep warm. I rang 000 and the Ambulance took me to Ryde Hospital. I would suffer further seizures while awake and one seizure while asleep. Further seizures occurred until the Valpro was increased to 2,000 mg a day. My last seizure was in September 2007. The seizures were brought on by a Cryptococcal infection on the left hand side of my brain. A registrar Doctor asked me if I wanted to have brain surgery to which I declined. I have had five MRI’s as at May 2010.

During August 2007 I picked up an infection while in RNSH when my health was not the best. On the right side of my right big toe I developed Parony Chia. (Pronounced Paranickia). The infection spread to both toenails. Doctors’ wanted to remove both my toenails. In 2009 I opted for a wedge rescission operation on both big toes.

Ryde Hospital 2007

While at Ryde Hospital I had my HIV medication brought into the Hospital that I had paid for. Upon discharge both my sister and I requested to get my medication back which the Hospital refused.

Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital 2003

According to a reliable source then State Member for Ryde John Watkins allegedly signed a court order to place me in Macquarie Hospital. At this time I was not on appropriate medication.  The first time that I met former Ryde MP John Watkins was at his electorate office when I released my Sydney Metropolitan railway maps in January 2001. 

In June 2008 I convened a public meeting of Darvall Road residents regarding traffic and pedestrian safety. After resigning from Parliament John Watkins became CEO of Alzheimer Australia on land adjacent to Macquarie Hospital. On the night of the 2007 Federal election John Watkins was celebrating at the defeat of then Prime Minister John Howard in his seat of Bennelong.

Local Government Election Timetable Delays

Local Government elections for New South Wales were scheduled for September 2003. Then NSW Premier Bob Carr decided to postpone the elections until March 2004 so as to be in line with State elections every four years.

As I had a campaign brochure printed and money of my own spent “I ran myself ragged” campaigning for an election that was to be postponed. Those who knew about the delay deliberately did not tell me. These same people oppose The Southern Thunderer and blocked Victor P Taffa from becoming a member of the Sydney and Canberra Press Galleries.

On 11 December 2003 my landlord let in the NSW Police who handcuffed me and took me to Macquarie Hospital against my will. I was what am called an Involuntary Patient. The false election campaign and not being on appropriate medication led to my forced hospitalisation. On 22 December 2003 I was discharged just in time for Christmas.

In March 2004 I paid for new campaign brochures and contested the Ryde Local Government elections.

The NSW Labor Government again altered the election timetable so the next NSW Local Government elections would be held in September 2008.  

There are a number of other issues that require discussion relating to some people in society and Mental Health.

Had I never contested Public elections it is highly unlikely that I would ever have been placed in a Psychiatric Hospital. It is obvious that some people in both the NSW Labor Party and NSW Police are bigoted, racist and homophobic against me personally. In a perfect world everyone likes everybody. Had Sir Winston Churchill been locked up in a Psychiatric Hospital Great Britain would never have won World War II.

When the history of the NSW Labor Government from 1995-2011 is written it will be noted for only two achievements: Placing Victor P Taffa in Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital in 2003 and 2010.

Victor P Taffa

For the second time in my life some people in both the New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party and NSW Police have overseen my forced hospitalisation in the Parkview Unit, Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde, Sydney.

Homosexuality, Catholic Church & the Nicene Creed

Long before I had accepted or realised that I was homosexual some people within the NSW Labor Party and NSW Police had worked it out for me.

• Firstly I do not support abortion or euthanasia.
• My mother Margaret gave birth to me.
• Homosexual men are not Paedophiles and do not interfere with children.
• Homosexual men and women do NOT try to ‘convert’ boys or girls.
• Homosexual men do not rape or bash women.
• Contrary to some people’s view I do not hate women.
• For many years I tried to deny what a part of me is that led to depression.
• If Homosexuality is a ‘choice’:
• Why would I choose to be vilified and marginalised?
• Why do people have various illnesses that still have no known cure? 
• The only person on earth who can hear confessions is a Catholic Priest.
• Who in life is perfect?
• School Yard ‘Bullies’ become Adult ‘Bullies’.

The Wog Ceiling

When women complain of the ‘Glass ceiling’ I have had to contend with the ‘Wog ceiling’ whether it has been for a position in Private Industry or in any of the Public elections or Political Party ballots. This includes the assumption that you are ‘simple’ and are treated as such. That is why my Journalism qualifications are questioned.

When people seek to judge me all other excuses are used to mask people’s hatred of Homosexuals. Over the years I have had the bar raised higher for me than many others who now sit in Parliaments’.

 

Nicene Creed – Profession of Faith

We believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate: he suffered, died, and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfilment of the Scriptures: he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

There are a number of other issues that require discussion relating to some people in society and Mental Health.

Had I never contested Public elections it is highly unlikely that I would ever have been placed in a Psychiatric Hospital. It is obvious that some people in both the NSW Labor Party and NSW Police are bigoted, racist and homophobic against me personally. In a perfect world everyone likes everybody. Had Sir Winston Churchill been locked up in a Psychiatric Hospital Great Britain would never have won World War II.

When the history of the NSW Labor Government from 1995-2011 is written it will be noted for only two achievements: Placing Victor P Taffa in Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital in 2003 and 2010.

Victor P Taffa

For the second time in my life some people in both the New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party and NSW Police have overseen my forced hospitalisation in the Parkview Unit, Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde, Sydney.

Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital 2010

Friday 26 March 2010

On Friday 26 March 2010 as per usual I went to the Post Office at Meadowbank to check to see if there was any mail in my P.O. Box. After leaving the Post Office I went grocery shopping at Woolworth’s Supermarket in the Macquarie Shopping Centre, North Ryde.

Upon arriving at home the groceries were unpacked and then I began to iron some clothes. At about 3.30pm there was a knock at the door. It was not apparent at this stage however had I not gone to Macquarie Centre to buy groceries the Ryde Community Mental Health Service and New South Wales Police would have admitted me earlier in the day. People knew that I went to the Post Office on a Friday and had not counted on me going to buy groceries. The value of my grocery bill exceeded $100.00 and much of the fresh fruit & vegetables went into the garbage bin.

Waiting outside was the Ryde Community team and three Police Officers to take me to Macquarie Hospital. The team and Police entered my home and they advised me that I would be taken away. I had to beg them to let me turn off the iron and lock my home.

Before leaving I took my business cards with me and as I was walking down the driveway one of the Police Officers remarked “There is not a website address on this, they are only email addresses.” When someone does not have to pay for business cards themselves it is easy to be critical. It was hardly a time for small talk. Another Police Officer remarked “Hurry up I’ve got a paedophile at Pennant Hills to arrest and put in handcuffs.”

At this stage I was conned into believing that I would only be going to Ryde Hospital for a short visit. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department (ED) at Ryde Hospital I learned that on my admitting papers was that “I refused to take medication.”

Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) had signed a court order so the Ryde Community Mental Health Service could hospitalise me.

While in Ryde Hospital ED my mother stayed out in the waiting room after seeing me initially in bed. After a while I asked to see mum and Nursing Staff told me that “she went home.” This turned out to be a lie and simply infuriated mum and myself.

The staff told me that I would be going to Macquarie Hospital when there was a bed available. After waiting in ED for what seemed hours I rang my parents to advise them of my predicament. My parents as usual were supportive and my mother Margaret became distraught. After many hours I was taken to Macquarie Hospital and only after a bed became available.

As the Parkview Unit is an acute care ward I had was not allowed to wear shoe laces or a trousers belt. The Parkview Unit has a method of grouping or categorising patients.

• Group 1 Close Observation.
• Group 2 Observation every 10-15 minutes.
• Group 3 Patients can access the front lobby, exercise bike, pool table, drink & snack machine, T.V. etc…
• Group 3 Escorted leave with your doctor’s permission.
• Group 4 Unescorted leave with your doctor’s permission.

Initially I was placed in Group 2 and later placed into Groups 3 & 4.

Saturday 27 March 2010

On Saturday 27 March I awoke and requested that I be given my HIV medication. Given that I was accused of NOT taking medication this in itself was a bit rich. My parents went to my home and brought my medication into Hospital.

Nursing Staff were rude more often than not. Nurse Robert* snapped at me at the 6pm meal time and said: “Stand in line like everyone else.” I was merely waiting for someone else to come past me before queuing for my meal.

Sunday 28 March 2010

I pointed out to Nursing Staff that there was two different dates on medication that I had paid for and brought into the Hospital. On 5 March 2010 I paid for new medication at the RNSH Pharmacy.

During 2007 while hospitalised at Ryde Hospital Nursing Staff withheld my HIV medication that I paid for and brought in. Requests from my sister Catherine for the medication also fell on deaf ears.

Various excuses have been used at having to ask for HIV medication. Even the very need to stress HIV is discrimination by Nursing Staff and Doctors.

• “HIV Medication is specialised.”
• “We’ve run out.”
• “We will wait until your condition improves.”

Some of the other comments made directly to me by Nursing Staff and Doctors included:

• “Barry O’ Farrell MP doesn’t like you.”
• “We are concerned that you are harm to yourself or others.”
• “You have delusions of grandeur.”
• “Your mood is elevated.”

All of these comments are designed to ‘wind you up’ and has nothing to do with rehabilitation. These comments were repeated and ensured that my hospitalisation was extended as long as possible.

Nurse Maureen* would later remark that my medical notes from 2003 and in 2010 were virtually identical. I was in Macquarie Hospital in 2003 for 11 days. My stay in 2010 has been in excess of 6 weeks.

Monday 29 March 2010

In the morning I had to again request that the Hospital give me my HIV medication. There were two doctors who had primary care at Macquarie Hospital. I met with the Doctors and was asked about:

• Education qualifications?
• Earning capacity for The Southern Thunderer?
• What was www.isput.com.au about?
• Am I a risk to myself or others?
• Do you take your medication?

While these are standard questions for the second time in my life my privacy would be invaded.

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Under the NSW Mental Health Act 2007 patients are admitted voluntarily or involuntarily. In 2003 I was admitted against my will and the second admission in 2010 was also on an involuntary basis. As an involuntary patient I attended with Doctors’ and my parents to a Magistrates hearing in a room at the Hospital. Having never experienced a Mental Health hearing I was unsure of procedures. I asked for and received representation from the NSW Legal Aid service. The Magistrate granted a 2 week adjournment during which time I MAY be discharged. This took the time in Macquarie Hospital to Tuesday 13 April 2010. This so happened to be my 45^th birthday.

After the hearing I went to my room. I asked to see mum and Nursing Staff replied: “She went home.” This was a lie again.

Wednesday 31 March 2010

Mum rang the Hospital to speak to me and she was told “that the number she dialled was incorrect.”

The area where patient medication is dispensed from patients has a window at which you stand. The patient list was dated 10 January 1900. This date was written on the list more than once. The Hospital sought perfection from me and clearly the system is far from perfect.

Thursday 1 April 2010-Holy Thursday

Today a blood test was taken from me. Normally blood tests are inconsequential however they indicate if a patient has been taking medication. As was argued in depth the blood test taken had indicated that I was taking medication.

 

Date	HIV Viral Load	CD4 Count	Cryptococcal
1/05/2007	1,100,000	7	Not Tested
1/07/2007	Not Tested	Not Tested	2,048
1/12/2007	177	164	256
1/01/2008	142	218	Not Tested
1/02/2008	118	245	64
1/04/2008	105	227	64
1/07/2008	370	356	32
1/09/2008	58	317	16
1/01/2009	Less Than 40	529	8
1/03/2009	520	307	Not Tested
1/04/2009	78	Not Tested	Not Tested
1/09/2009	6,180	431	4
1/02/2010	208,000	140	2
1/04/2010	186	195	2
29/04/2010	Less Than 40	235	4

 

The question I was asked:

During the time that you were not taking HIV medication did this impair your thinking or mental capacity? 

The answer was NO because I had a Cryptococcal reading of 2 for the best part of 12 months. On some occasions a blood test reading for Cryptococcal was not requested by Doctors’ at RNSH. Royal North Shore Hospital had already ruled out making me have a sixth MRI.

When my HIV Viral Load went up to 520 in March 2009 it was because I had vomited on the day of the blood test. In December 2009 I did not attend a consultation at RNSH and this was held against me. I was made to feel ‘uncomfortable’ at the September 2009 consultation with RNSH.

Today I had to prompt Doctors to test for Cryptococcal. I was brought to Macquarie Hospital because I was accused of NOT taking medication and that HIV was impacting on my mental state.

Given the circumstances that I was brought to Macquarie Hospital one of the patients told me that “They took one man off to Hospital and he left with a roast in the oven. He was gone for 2 months and ended up with a $600.00 Bill.”

Friday 2 April 2010-Good Friday

Nurse Robert* rudely interrupted me while talking to another patient. We were discussing religion and God and Nurse Robert said: “Is everything all right over there?” Nurse Robert* said when I passed wind: “You should go to the bathroom next time you do that and don’t be so rude.”

Given that I was brought into Hospital for not taking HIV medication and yelling at people there was repeated requests to get me to take Bactrim. RNSH had stopped Bactrim in late 2007 and this ongoing questioning led to tension and extended my hospitalisation unnecessarily.

Saturday 3 April 2010-Easter Saturday

Again I had to request Nursing Staff to give me my medication. The Health system is biased against people with HIV as medication is not available everywhere. The excuse that “It is expensive” is not an argument that stands up because the Federal Government subsidises a lot of medication through the PBS. Today I came to the view that the Medicare Levy should be increased to fund medical research for all illnesses. According to reliably informed sources within the Health Department the NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt “will NOT provide funding to improve Hornsby Hospital.”

A patient asked me: “What does Easter Sunday mean?” to which my mind turned to the Profession of Faith and how my faith in God runs deep.

Sunday 4 April 2010-Easter Sunday

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Comprehensive psychological testing was conducted on me for Literacy and Numeracy.

Nurses Sam* and Robert* would not let me use the telephone. “You can only use the phone twice a day.” While other Nurses mentioned only “Once per shift.” This formed part of the ongoing ‘Punishment’ that all patients have to contend with in Mental Hospitals. Considering I was admitted on an ‘involuntary’ basis these small minded games only served to extend my hospitalisation.

Patient Nancy* was Maltese and like all good wogs, had a ‘loud’ voice like myself. Her worst offences were to interrupt people and speak loudly.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Doctors met with me and my parents. Doctors wanted to interview my parents separately to according to a Social Worker “Get all the Goss” on a patient. This is another reason why Parents should not be involved in a Mental Health patients discharge or care. Doctors told me today that “I would be discharged within three weeks.” On that advice I made an appointment to see a Doctor for HIV on the day after the expiry of the three weeks. This advice was a lie and designed to falsely raise hope of discharge. This again highlights how absolutely woeful Mental Health is treated in New South Wales.

Today I had to have blood re-tested because the Hospital “Used the wrong tubes.” Since 2007 I have had so many blood tests that this comment was typical of an imperfect system attempting to impose perfection on a person who was being held against his will.

Thursday 8 April 2010

Doctors’ asked if I wanted to have an MRI. I declined as I had already had 5 MRI’s and the Cryptococcal reading was 2 which indicated that HIV was not adversely impacting on my brain. The Doctors’ replied: “We only wanted to do that because you asked for Cryptococcal to be tested.”

This comment was either a joke or simply showed how RNSH, Ryde Hospital, Ryde Community Mental Service and Macquarie Hospital know or cared about HIV and its impact with Mental Health. The level of amateurism could not have been more pronounced. Doctors’ told me that they would seek another 2 week adjournment.

Doctors’ remarked that I could have leave. I said that I could go home and write in The Southern Thunderer to which the Doctor replied: “That wouldn’t be wise.”

Saturday 10 April 2010

Nurse Cathleen* stood over me to make sure that I took my medication. I asked for some peanut butter in a nice tone and I was castigated for that.

Sunday 11 April 2010

Patient Darren* along with Patient Tina* are Inebriates Patients of whom should be in Inebriates Wards in General Hospitals. According Nursing staff there is 200 beds in the Ryde area for Mental Hospitals and in the last 12 months alone 5% of those beds are taken up with Inebriates Patients. Nursing staff have also remarked that it is easier to detain people under the Inebriates Act rather than have people charged under the Drunk & Disorderly Act or the Public Nuisances Act.

Patient Darren* who in his mid 30’s said “I’ve been on a pension since I was 16.” From what I could work out Darren* comes from a ‘broken home.’ He was staying with his auntie however his relatives admitted him. There are Darren’s* everywhere throughout Australia in 2010 because the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) destroyed the family unit.

Having experienced firsthand the Mental Health system in New South Wales that the Mental Health Act is either ignored by Doctors’ and Nurses or only ‘lip service’ paid to its adherence.

Monday 12 April 2010

Doctors’ met with me and will seek a further 2 week adjournment. Legal Aid visited me ahead of proceedings.

Doctors’ told my mother via telephone that the Hospital wanted a 4 week adjournment.

When Legal Aid visited the Doctor told Legal Aid that the Hospital will seek a 5 week adjournment.

Tuesday 13 April 2010 My Birthday.

There was a Magistrates hearing and with a vigorous defence of my case the Magistrate handed down a 5 week order. The Magistrate set a maximum time although I could be discharged before Tuesday 18 May 2010.

Wednesday 14 April 2010

During the 1.00pm luncheon Patient Patrick* said to me directly and out of the blue “I could get a needlestick injury from you and die.” Nurse Elizabeth* observed the remark and said nothing in my defence.

A few days earlier Patient Patrick* commented while we were playing a game of Pool “That was a Spastic shot.” I took offence at this remark even though he was referring to his poor shot in the game. Even when I was growing up and living with my brother and sisters I always took offence at this comment.

Friday 16 April 2010

Upon returning from leave with my mother Nurse Elizabeth* snatched out of my hands some plastic bags as she either had a permanent chip on her shoulder or sought to rile me. This episode was interesting because when I was brought into Hospital my personal possessions were placed in a safe cupboard and no list of my items was made out. Patient Jack* had his possessions listed as did many others. Once again the inconsistencies of the Hospital showed through. For the record I am a fourth generation Australian of Lebanese descent.

Saturday 17 April 2010

Patient Pauline* wanders into my room and interferes with my personal items.

Doctors’ discussed having a Community Treatment Order (CTO) set for Thursday 6 May 2010. After more than 3 weeks of incarceration I was sick of Macquarie Hospital. Doctors’ would allow extended leave from Wednesday 21 April 2010.

Monday 19 April 2010

Again I had to prompt Nursing staff for my medication.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Doctors’ met with myself and my parents and cast dispersions upon having a Private Psychiatrist treating me. The Mental Health Act does not recognise Private practitioners.

Friday 23 April 2010

After I agreed to have a CTO I was granted extended leave. In the real world the way in which the matters are put to you are what you would call blackmail. Hence punishment is the only form of rehabilitation in a New South Wales Psychiatric Hospital.

In the evening two staff from the Ryde Community Mental Health Team visited me and watched me consume my medication. This might seem harmless enough except that you still are not discharged from hospital. If you had a broken arm or leg the problem is obvious. With Mental Health people cannot see inside a broken head and the very manner in which people are treated is prehistoric. This in turn hampers recovery from a mental illness.

Sunday 25 April 2010-Anzac Day

Wednesday 28 May 2010

Today I returned to Macquarie Hospital and was given extended leave by Doctors’. According to Doctors’ there are two types of Bipolar Disorder. This illness used to be known as Manic Depressive.

• Type 1 Severe Bipolar Disorder
• Type 2 Hypomania

Doctors’ advised me that I have type 1.

Friday 30 April 2010

 As I was on extended leave I continued publishing articles in The Southern Thunderer. I spoke with my current I.T person who manages both www.southernthunderer.com.au and www.isput.com.au

The I.T person seemed hesitant to help me despite having payed monies to maintain my websites. This constant interference with the five I.T people by some people in the NSW Labor Party and Police led to my hospitalisation at Macquarie Hospital. The times when I was not on appropriate medication for Bipolar Disorder was when I was unable to handle the pressure that people put me under. Considering that there is stigma in society towards mental illness it is no surprise that I have twice been in a Psychiatric Hospital.

Monday 3 May 2010

Doctors’ advised me that my CTO Hearing would be put back to 13 May 2010. Later on I visited my G.P. for a Flu Vaccine shot. Rather than not caring about my health this simply highlighted that I do take care of my health.

In the evening the Ryde Community Mental Health Team left my medication for the next morning with me and allowed me to take the medication unsupervised.

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Doctors’ want me and my parents to meet on 6 May. The Doctor said “Victor you are being difficult to deal with and we are seriously thinking about readmitting you to Hospital.” I replied that I would agree to the Hospitals blackmail and come to the meeting.

Thursday 6 May 2010

My parents and I met with Doctors’ and we were formally advised that the CTO Hearing had been put back to 13 May 2010.

As the Ryde Community Mental Health Team was ‘scared’ at my tone of voice and of my dislike to being supervised to take my HIV medication I would have to go to the Community Team twice a day. The Ryde Community Mental Health Team was only opened from Monday to Friday. On the weekends I had to visit the Emergency Department of Ryde Hospital to then waste the ED Staff time and call the Mental Health Team.

When Prime Minister Kevin Rudd talks about a pathetic Federal takeover of Hospitals the unnecessary visits to Emergency Departments will not be addressed by a new Health Commission and Federal control.

Friday 7 May 2010

Doctors’ wanted to see myself and my parents on Monday 10 May 2010.

Monday 10 May 2010

Doctors’ granted me extended leave until the CTO Hearing on 13 May.

They also asked if “I would like to stay in the Hospital voluntarily until the Hearing.” I could not believe that these so called Doctors’ would be dumb enough to ask me such a question. I politely declined the invitation.

Given that I was brought to Macquarie Hospital because of

• NOT taking HIV medication
• Yelling at people

I visited my G.P. to pick up a repeat prescription for medication so I will not run out upon discharge.

Thursday 13 May 2010-CTO Hearing

Doctors’ told me that Legal Aid was going to meet with me at 10.30am. An earlier hearing took 3 hours and so my mother and I saw Legal Aid at 12.50pm.

The hearing got underway and it was alleged by the Ryde Community Mental Health Service that RNSH said “That about 12 months ago we were concerned about you.” I said at the Hearing “That would have been about in March 2009 and I made mention that I was seeing Albion Street Clinic for Mental Health consultations and did not wish to see someone at RNSH as well.”

The person that I spoke to at the time was a registrar psychologist who was moving onto another part of his medical training. During the hearing I said that I was only off HIV medication for a few weeks. RNSH, Ryde, Macquarie Hospitals and Ryde Community Mental Health Service seem to think that they ‘own’ you and do not recognise private practitioners’ as a valid path of treatment and healthcare.

The hearing proceeded and I successfully moved to have some parts of the CTO deleted. The person in charge of the Hearing agreed and I was discharged at approximately 1.30pm.

When a person is hospitalised for a broken arm or leg the patient is given discharge papers and if required discharge medication.

Upon discharge in 2003 and in 2010 both discharge papers and discharge medication were not available. In 2010 I had to go to three different pharmacies for Diflucan because discharge medication is not readily available.

Since 23 April I have been supervised while taking my medication and this will cease after seeing a Psychiatrist at the Ryde Community Mental Health Service on Friday 21 May 2010.

Mental Health and all mentally ill patients are discriminated against especially if you also have HIV. Emphasise in Mental Health is that Court Hearings, Tribunals, Magistrates and discharge papers and medication are not readily available. References are made to ‘Delegates’ in a CTO.

All this process merely reinforces and compounds the stigma in society against those with a mental illness.

With ‘Normal’ illnesses discharge papers and medication are handled in a professional manner and readily available.

The CTO that was made out for me is as follows:

 

 

 

Community Treatment Plan 13 May 2010 Page 2

 

 

 

Community Treatment Plan 13 May 2010 Page 3

 

 

 

Community Treatment Plan 13 May 2010 Page 4

 

 

13 April 1965

Why do people suffer from mental illness? Why doesn’t anyone else suffer from mental illness in my family apart from me?

On 13 April 1965 I was born and on 12 March 1965 my mother while pregnant with me suffered ‘nervous shock’ upon hearing of the death of my uncle.

Victor Phillip Taffa suffered a massive heart attack and died aged 44 years. Victor was a large man and ate heartily. His cholesterol would have been high and in 1965 cholesterol was something that you put in your car.

The Rudd Government instead of trying for a ‘power grab’ of Hospitals’ should increase the Medicare Levy to 2.5% and fund medical research for all illnesses.

There are a number of other issues that require discussion relating to some people in society and Mental Health.

Had I never contested Public elections it is highly unlikely that I would ever have been placed in a Psychiatric Hospital. It is obvious that some people in both the NSW Labor Party and NSW Police are bigoted, racist and homophobic against me personally. In a perfect world everyone likes everybody. Had Sir Winston Churchill been locked up in a Psychiatric Hospital Great Britain would never have won World War II.

When the history of the NSW Labor Government from 1995-2011 is written it will be noted for only two achievements: Placing Victor P Taffa in Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital in 2003 and 2010.

*Name changed to protect true identity

Definitions:

HIV Viral Load: The amount of HIV virus.

CD4 Count: The amount of Red Blood Cells.

Cryptococcal: HIV related infection on the left side of my brain.

Parony Chia: HIV related infection on the right side of the right big toe. (Pronounced Paranickia)

Victor P Taffa

Following on from the article published on 27 April 2010 in The Southern Thunderer entitled Medical Update it would appear that the circus that parades as Mental Health in New South Wales continues.

Until I am formally discharged staff from the Ryde Community Mental Team visit twice daily to watch me taking medication including that for HIV.

Editor Victor P Taffa had been advised that a Community Treatment Order (C.T.O) hearing would be set down for Thursday 6 May 2010. Upon following other directions given to myself it appears that the C.T.O. hearing would now be held on Thursday 13 May 2010.

Upon formal discharge a full account of my hospitalisation will be published however there is no doubt in my mind that some people in the community involved in public life are bigoted, racist and homophobic against me personally. Over a period of many years all manner of excuses have been made that are designed to humiliate me and merely masks the real reason for keeping myself out of Parliament.

Women complain about the ‘glass ceiling’ for holding back their advancement and similarly I face the ‘wog ceiling’ for advancement. The same problems arose when I stood for Local Government previously and the issues that I campaigned on can be viewed in www.isput.com.au Under no circumstance will I apologise for my commitment to upgrading and expanding the New South Wales Railways as contained in www.isput.com.au

One could accuse myself of having a ‘wild imagination’ however when people take into account what the Labor Party put the former State Members for Newcastle Bryce Gaudry and Arthur Wade and the Carrington Branch of the Labor Party through over the issue of the Newcastle Railway I would simply keep all of these matters in perspective.

Under no circumstance will I apologise for the letter that I wrote to then NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney asking if the existing laws relating to illicit drugs would be enforced outside of the Drug Injection Heroin Room at Kings Cross, Sydney. Possibly Commissioner Moroney never saw the letter however I am sure that the letter ‘got under the skin’ of some people.

Mental Illness is a serious matter and the way in which people are treated only serves to worsen the condition. This will be expanded upon once I am formally discharged.

Victor P Taffa

Having experienced firsthand the Hospital System in New South Wales since 2007 it is clearly apparent that the Stalinist Area Health Service Administration is a failure and does nothing to advance the wellbeing of the patients.

Prior to the introduction of Medibank and Medicare hospitals in New South Wales and Queensland were administered by Hospital Boards that were accountable to the Health Minister and also responsible for financial control of the facility that the board managed.

When Area Health Service Administration came in hospitals were forced to obtain bandages from a centralised call centre and complete requests in triplicate. For example Dubbo Base District Hospital orders bandages through someone at Parramatta who then sends the request to the Minister for approval. This situation simply adds to the overall cost of running hospitals and deflects the attention of doctors and nurses in providing patient care.

Clinic 16, Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) made a complaint about myself and due to the wording of the Mental Health Act was able to admit me to Macquarie North Ryde Psychiatric Hospital easily because RNSH, Ryde, Macquarie Hospitals and Ryde Community Mental Health all fall within the same Area Health Service. A full account of my hospitalisation, mental illness, HIV, homosexuality, Inebriates Act and society stigma’s will be made upon my formal discharge from hospital.

With a Hospital Board structure it would not be as easy to lock people up in hospital as the reach of a hospital would be limited. As it stands now if a person does not like someone a complaint can be made and the Mental Health Act used to incarcerate a person unnecessarily.

Hospital Boards should be administered locally and financially accountable to State Parliament. A new Hospital Boards Act is required because as with the Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Trails) Bill 2009 that the New South Wales Minister for Transport sought to ram through the Parliament it would only take the stroke of a Ministerial pen to abolish Hospital Boards. An Act of Parliament will protect the integrity and accountability of Hospitals.

Hospital Boards are able to manage patient flow and bed requirements. Daily basics such as bandages would be more easily obtainable and cheaper to purchase as there would be less administrative hurdles to go through.

Hospital Boards would be able to set budget requirements and report to State Parliament annually which would be more reflective of actual needs. This would reduce the cost of running a hospital.

The Rudd Government has a desire to centralise hospital control through a new commission. All a new commission would do is to become an administrative nightmare and a financial burden on all taxpayers.

Currently Gosford, Ryde, RNSH, Macquarie Psychiatric and Ryde Community Mental Health to name but a few fall under the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service. Under a Hospital Board structure Gosford Hospital would have an independent board and Ryde Hospital Board would administer Ryde, Macquarie Psychiatric and Ryde Community Mental Health. RNSH would be administered by its own board.

The cost savings to New South Wales alone would be enormous under a Board structure. Better healthcare would follow and given the ageing of the population this cost overheads issue will continue to play havoc with Government Budget’s in the years ahead.

Hospital Board structures worked well in the past and the current arrangement of Area Health Service is not doing a thing to shorten hospital waiting lists or free up Emergency Departments.

While there is no disrespect intended at the Rudd Government with the hospital reforms that were announced, as someone who has been treated like a ‘number in the system’ it is clearly apparent that the reintroduction of financially accountable Hospital Boards is long overdue as the current arrangements are a failure.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer & Manly MP Mike Baird

TREASURER FAILS TO DISCLOSE LOTTERIES COMPLAINTS

Victor P Taffa

“No complaint has been made by any of the unsuccessful bidders about the Lotteries sale process.” Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, NSW Parliament 21/4/10

“Concerns concerning offer based on retention of unclaimed prizes.” subject of letter from unsuccessful bidder to Treasury 17/3/10
Treasurer Eric Roozendaal explicitly told Parliament there were no complaints about the Lotteries sale process when a serious complaint had been received, Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said today.

The legal representatives for an unsuccessful bidder wrote to NSW Treasury, the Government’s lawyers and its probity adviser on 17 March to complain it was told several times it could not bid for the unclaimed prizes.

“This is a major transaction for the State of NSW and the responsibility of ensuring a fair and transparent process on behalf of taxpayers rests only with the Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal.” Mr Baird said.

“It is clear that serious questions about this transaction remain, yet Treasurer Roozendaal is just playing semantics.” Mr Baird said.

“A letter containing serious complaints from an unsuccessful bidder was sent to all the advisers in the transaction, including to Treasury and the State Labor Government’s probity adviser.”  

“How can we trust anything Eric Roozendaal has said in relation to this transaction given he told Parliament this week no complaints were received?” Mr Baird demanded to know.

“We are calling on the Treasurer today to state if he received this letter and what was his personal response.”

“If the Treasurer has nothing to hide then he should agree to our request for the release of all documents in relation to this transaction.

“Not only has Eric Roozendaal bungled another transaction potentially leaving taxpayers dudded tens of millions of dollars – he has misled Parliament.” Mr Baird said.

The outcome of the sale of the New South Wales lotteries by the Treasurer resulted in a $50 Million LOSS to taxpayers.  

Editor Victor P Taffa will campaign in the State seat of Newcastle for the 26 March 2011 election and along with Railway Bonds a Railway lottery should be introduced to build sorely needed railway lines.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird

Speech on Northern Beaches hospitals

Victor P Taffa

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird has rightly condemned the Keneally Government over the Federal takeover of Hospitals as handed down by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. This is an address to the NSW Legislative Assembly on hospital funding by Mr. Baird.

Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [6.55 p.m.]: I draw to the attention of the House the persistent downgrade of Manly Hospital and Mona Vale Hospital by the NSW Government. While the Premier is popping champagne corks at the moment over her deal with the Prime Minister to give up the State’s GST, the morale of health staff on the Northern Beaches is at rock bottom and I strongly believe that patients are suffering.
 
The latest service to go from Manly Hospital is its aged care rehabilitation ward. That means another 10 beds will be lost. All aged care will now be at Mona Vale Hospital.
 
Michelle Franks, chair of Manly Hospital’s medical staff council, said staffs was given almost no warning before the announcement was made—they were not consulted, they were sidelined. That is an insight into the culture at present. Staff deserve so much more. Today’s Manly Daily reported that Dr Franks said:

We have a lot of aged care patients who need rehabilitation services and it’s a resource that has always been used.

Since last year, Manly Hospital has been caring for all mums on the Northern Beaches after the Mona Vale maternity unit was closed. That means women up and down the Northern Beaches travel an hour in some instances during labour to give birth in a unit that is already stretched beyond its capacity. It is doing a great job but it is certainly stretched.
 
Last week my office was inundated with stories from passionate midwives determined to do everything they could to stem the loss of services from their hospitals. They feel unbelievably passionate about this matter. Within five days an online petition had received almost 700 signatures from midwives and patients who felt they had been left out in the cold in relation to some of these decisions.
 
The words of midwives tell a story. A local midwife who was uncomfortable with disclosing her name for fear of retribution wrote to me:

Time and time again we are the forgotten ones. Many midwives are leaving. The challenges faced by all every day are growing rapidly.

Another midwife said:

The situation at Manly is quite unsustainable. The uncertainty of the future plan for Northern Beaches maternity services and the lack of a clear direction on whether we will remain as one unit or not, and if so where that will be located means that many of us are considering leaving the public sector—That is a tragedy—some are thinking about early retirement and several staff have already left their jobs due to dissatisfaction with the situation.

And another said:

We are truly concerned for the current and future welfare of the women and their families in our community.

I feel particularly strongly about midwives. In my inaugural speech I spoke about two wonderful midwives. Following the birth of my second daughter Cate, my wife suffered a post-partum haemorrhage and I nearly lost her but for the two midwives, angels they were, who intervened and saved her. I made a commitment in my inaugural speech that I would support the cause of midwives. I do not want to forget the service that they provided. Today I am sure they would share the concerns of their colleagues.

A first-time mum from Church Point wrote to me in despair. Two weeks before her due date she received a letter saying she could not deliver at Mona Vale as planned. Her labour was quick and in the 45-minute drive to Manly Hospital she almost ended up delivering by the roadside. She said:

It is unacceptable and far too dangerous for all involved to be allowing women like me to drive past a fantastic hospital with maternity facilities in an attempt to get to another hospital—the unit is far too small to be coping with the influx of women from all areas of the beaches.

Despite the Premier’s rhetoric about Health reform, the Government has an appalling track record—there is no other way to describe it. Manly and Mona Vale hospitals have been subjected to consistent downgrades and it has to stop. The hydrotherapy pool at Manly Hospital closed early last year. The medical air system that supplies oxygen for caesarean births recently broke down while mums were in labour.

Staff from the Phoenix Unit was made redundant before a tender was even issued for the new operator. That drug and rehabilitation centre has operated for 18 years and has a two-month waiting list. This cannot continue. What is the solution? What does the Government do? I call on the Minister for Health to act below the glamour of trying to establish a health reform process that requires many answers to some of the questions.

Since 2006 the State Government has been promising to build the new Northern Beaches hospital. People of the Northern Beaches are sick of empty promises and know that the only way this hospital will be built is by a government that is committed to delivering on the health needs of this community.

I strongly say that that is an O’Farrell Government. The Premier and the Minister for Health have a chance to address this matter in the remaining time before the next election. I call on the Keneally Government to stop draining our hospitals dry. Patients and staff of Northern Beaches hospitals deserve more.

 

Editor Victor P Taffa believes that instead of funding sickness and hospital waiting lists by all Government’s the answer lies in long term funding for medical research for cures for all illnesses. The Medicare Levy should be increased to 2.5% and the increase directed towards cures for Breast Cancer, HIV, Leukaemia, Quadriplegia, Depression, Diabetes etc…

 

 

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer & Manly MP Mike Baird

WIN WITH LATE-NIGHT BUS SERVICE FOR MANLY

Victor P Taffa

The trial of Manly’s late-night shuttle service terminated this week but Manly MP Mike Baird has secured an extension due to its effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related assaults.

“Everyone in Manly wants to see people getting home safely at night and fewer alcohol-related incidents.” Mr Baird said.

“Frankly it was crazy that the late-night shuttle service would not continue after such a successful trial.”

“We’re pleased to have just secured an extension with the Minister for Transport so the trial will continue for another 12 months.”

“Manly is the best place in the world to live but no-one would deny we face challenges with alcohol-related incidents after midnight.” Mr. Baird said.

“Manly Police told the Manly Safety Committee last week that the late-night shuttle has delivered a substantial decline in alcohol-related assaults.”

“Enabling people to get home quickly at night is critical – both in ensuring their safety and preventing antisocial behaviour.”

“Northside Shuttles has done a terrific job in the trial, which was provided through an exemption order under the Passenger Transport Act last year.” Mr. Baird said.

“While we are certainly not there yet – Manly Police, Manly Council and licensees are working together to reduce alcohol-related problems.”

“Early closing times are critical in achieving this aim and it is disappointing the State Government’s latest initiative does not address this factor.”

“However, we are grateful the Transport Minister has listened to the community’s call for the Manly Night Shuttle to continue.”

“We are confident assaults in Manly will continue to be driven down as a result of the genuine determination in the local community.” Mr. Baird said.

Editor Victor P Taffa has previously been a taxi-cab driver in Sydney. With regular monotony the New South Wales Labor Government spins the line that “people can catch a cab.”

This line of thinking simply shows how out of touch the State Government is on transport.

The problems lie as Mr. Baird points out is the lack of late night bus services. Putting more taxi-cabs on the road only leads to a poorer standard of taxi service.

Taxi driver shifts are usually 2×12 hour shifts. The answer lies in changing taxi shifts to 3×8 hour shifts.

This change can only be made through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the shift change would spread the load of cabs so there would be less ‘downtime’ and more cabs on the road.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer & Manly MP Mike Baird

CHAOS REIGNS DUE TO FAST FERRY TENDER BUNGLE

Victor P Taffa

Manly fast ferry commuters face ongoing uncertainty with a new operator starting tomorrow in a battle to see whether two fast ferry operators on the route are sustainable according to Manly MP Mike Baird.

“Manly fast ferry commuters have fought hard for their service and the fight is not over yet.” Mr Baird said.

“After the State Government axed the JetCats last year and offered no alternative, we had to push for the service to be put out to tender.”

“By all accounts the current operators have done an outstanding job and have put the government-run JetCat service to shame.”

“It was incredibly disappointing that the State Government saw the five-year fast ferry tender as an opportunity to raise revenue.”

“It is stating the obvious to say the tender should have been judged on reliability, affordability and customer service – not on who offered the highest wharf access fee back to government.” Mr. Baird said.

“While we wish the new operator all the best, the truth is a lot of money is being spent competing against each other, which isn’t sustainable.

“What’s unfortunate is that Manly commuters were enjoying a high quality transport service, which has now been jeopardised by the NSW Government’s greed.”

“Manly fast ferry commuters should not have to pay for the State Labor Government’s mismanagement of public finances over the past decade.” Mr. Baird said.

“The Manly fast ferry tender should never have been used as a grab for cash – this is something we have fought since the tender was issued six months ago.”

“We remain convinced a single tender based on the best service at the lowest possible price would have been the best way forward for commuters.” Mr. Baird said.

The State Government has cancelled ferry services to Parramatta due to the lack of dredging of the Parramatta River. Regardless of who runs a ferry service the truth is that the New South Wales Labor Government simply cannot deliver on its rhetoric and after 16 years the Government has run out of steam.

Victor P Taffa

The Southern Thunderer has not been published since Friday 26 March 2010 when Editor Victor P Taffa was placed in the Parkview Unit of Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital North Ryde, Sydney.

Victor P Taffa is on leave until Wednesday 28 April whereby extended leave will be granted until the Hospital has a hearing for a Community Treatment Order (C.T.O.).

The CTO will be conducted on Thursday 6 May 2010 and regardless of the outcome of such CTO hearing Victor P Taffa will be formally discharged from Hospital on that day.

After discharge a full account of hospitalisation will be published and also other medical related articles.