Chapter 55
Fifty-Five
Then
NORTH YORKSHIRE NHS TRUST
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE
Mulgrave Ward, Scarborough General Hospital
File Reference: NY/PSY/FINN/2284
CONFIDENTIAL—FOR PRIMARY CARE RECORDS
From: Dr Helen Morton D.Clin.Psy.
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
North Yorkshire NHS Trust
To: Dr Sarah Connolly
Moorfield Medical Practice
Scarborough
Re: Jane Guthrie (DOB 17/04/1989)
Dear Dr Connolly,
Further to my previous correspondence and discharge summary, I am writing regarding the above-named patient, who was referred for psychological follow-up following admission to Mulgrave Ward earlier this year.
Ms Guthrie has now missed two consecutive outpatient appointments. Attempts to contact her by telephone have been unsuccessful; voicemail messages have not been returned. A written reminder regarding the importance of continued engagement has also gone unanswered.
At her last review, Ms Guthrie presented as physically recovered but emotionally guarded.
Although initially cooperative, she had begun to demonstrate psychological stalling, including withdrawal, reduced eye contact and a marked resistance to exploring intrusive thoughts relating to the incident.
She expressed a preference for ‘dealing with things privately’ and stated that further sessions were ‘no longer necessary’.
Given the fixation and unresolved trauma reactions noted in the original assessment, there is concern that disengagement from therapy may represent a regression rather than genuine improvement. Continued psychological input would be advisable to mitigate risk of relapse.
I would therefore be grateful if you could contact Ms Guthrie to encourage re-engagement and review her current mental state. Should Ms Guthrie fail to respond, or should you identify concerns regarding risk or deterioration, please consider re-referral to this service.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Helen Morton D.Clin.Psy.
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
North Yorkshire NHS Trust
Cc: Community Mental Health Team (Scarborough)
Note: Patient currently uncontactable
File Copy: NY/PSY/FINN/2284