Fremantle Labor MP Simone McGurk says WA's mental health system has "absolutely failed" after a 19-year-old man, who allegedly stabbed his mother to death, was unable to get into Alma Street in Fremantle because it was closed.
Joan Hendry, 52, was allegedly stabbed by her son, Gabe Lang, in her White Gum Valley home on Monday night.
Fairfax Media undertands Ms Hendry tried to take her son to Alma Street mental health clinic in Fremantle but the centre closes at 8pm.
She then took him to Fremantle Hospital's emergency department but he became agitated and left after a couple of hours.
Later that night he allegedly stabbed his mother in their Stevens Street home. Mr Lang was taken to Fremantle Hospital with what is understood to have been self-inflicted stab wounds.
Ms Hendry's partner Bruce Abottt and her daughter were also injured.
Ms McGurk said it was totally unacceptable the family of a person having severe mental illness episodes could not get help at Alma Street.
Ms McGurk said a community care team did make after-hours visits but that service was not made clear on any of the government websites.
"A respected and much loved member of our community has lost her life as a result," she told Fairfax Media.
"I'm not sure what else Joan Hendry could have done to get assistance.
"She and her family were left to deal with this young man on their own, with tragic repercussions.
"I don't know if Joan's son was known to Alma St, but if he was, there should be an ability to access assistance after hours."
Ms McGurk said the fact the family couldn't get any assistance at the emergency department after waiting two hours was staggering.
"So much for the four-hour rule," she said.
"The government has got questions to answer as to how this occurred.
" Fremantle emergency department closes in a few months, in February. A lot of the community are not happy about that closure."
Ms McGurk said she raised concerns with the Barnett government about what impact the closure of the ED at Fremantle Hospital would have on Alma Street's mental health patients.
"I asked where they were expected to go if they needed attention after hours," she said.
"Looking at the state govternment's website, after hours enquires to the mental health emergency response team is simply referred back to the local public mental health services, which as we now know, are closed after 8pm.
"[It's] Incredible."
Fremantle Hospital Executive Director David Blythe said Alma Street was open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week
Fremantle Hospital and health service acknowledges the tragic situation and we extend our condolences to the family," he said.
"The Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Service (FHMHS) Alma Street Centre provides adult services including acute inpatient, community treatment and continuing care programs.
" After 8pm, people requiring care can go to the Fremantle Hospital Emergency Department or to their nearest emergency department.
"People who arrive at Alma Street Centre after hours, are guided by staff to Fremantle Hospital's Emergency Department."
