A doctor has told the Hobart Coroners Court of the burden on mental health services in Tasmania

A mother has spoken of her grief and trauma at the loss of her son as an inquest into the man’s death continues.

Joseph Lattimer’s parents George and Julie Lattimer at the inquest. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A GENERAL practitioner has given a court an insight into the burden on mental health services in Tasmania.

Dr Sophia Ahmed, who gave evidence today at the inquest into the July 2016 death of Mornington man Joseph Lattimer, said she provided care to many mental health patients, including Mr Lattimer in the months before his death.

Dr Ahmed said there was “so much more” that could be done to help mental health patients.

“I just wish there was more hours in the day and more people around,” Dr Ahmed said.

“I work six days a week, I complete my notes ’til 10, 11 at night, I’m always more or less on call. It seems there [is] more we can do. It’s never enough, it’s never complete.”

The inquest into Mr Lattimer’s death began in Hobart yesterday.

RAMPING WOES LAID BARE AT INQUEST

Coroner Olivia McTaggart has heard Mr Lattimer, 37, died following an attempt to take his own life while waiting for admission to the Royal Hobart Hospital for psychiatric treatment.

Ms McTaggart also heard from Mr Lattimer’s mother, Julie Lattimer, today.

Mrs Lattimer described her son as a caring man with a dry sense of humour.

“I miss Joe heaps and it’s been traumatic,” she told the court. But she said her son had written a series of prayers, which she found in his room following his death.

She said the prayers gave her “great comfort” and she read one to the court, which included the line: “Forever shall we be in [God’s] powerful loving arms together with the angels singing praises in his name.”

“So I know where my son is and I have peace,” Mrs Lattimer said.

The court heard Mr Lattimer had called triple-0 early on July 10 and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital. He arrived at the hospital at 5.02am and was waiting in the emergency department waiting area.

A triage nurse told the court she assessed Mr Lattimer’s case as urgent and requiring treatment within 30 minutes.

The nurse said she monitored Mr Lattimer, but after she triaged another patient at 5.44am, she realised Mr Lattimer was no longer in the waiting area.

Ms McTaggart yesterday told the nurse there was no criticism of her work and the way she dealt with Mr Lattimer.

Lifeline: 13 11 14. Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978.