"Lacks continuity of care"

Despite working around the ethos of 'your support your way', this does not apply to the provision of care at the Arran centre. I feel the type and level of care is formulated around an established framework designed for the benefit of staff and perhaps some patients. As a result of this I feel continuity of care does, to a great extent, not exist and significant changes to mental health needs are therefore not recognised and not followed up.

When I became a patient of the Arran centre over a year ago, I asked at my initial meeting with my psychiatrist about having a CPN, a service I has received for several years. This request was laughed off with the response ,what do you need a CPN for? I have great personal issues of trust with psychiatric services which is warranted and documented. I have made it clear that I do not like talking to lots of different people and when I was informed that if I had issues I was to call the duty nurse or crisis team. I made it very clear I was not comfortable with this care plan to which I was told, thats how we do it here. What part of that statement suggests your support your way.

Calling different people often strangers has been exceptionally difficult for me, making me feel vulnerable and afraid at times for my own safety. Psychiatrist appointments are not given in advance, when you speak with your psychiatrist you have no idea when your next appointment will be. I have also stated this does not sit well with me as I stay well by being extremely organised in my life. This to me is not organised as I cannot consider whether an issue can wait till my next appointment as I have no idea when it is.

Recently my mood has been very unstable precipitated by environmental factors. While my psychitrist has kindly contacted housing services, I have had little input from the centre except when I call. Due to the way I feel about cold calling and feeling the need to constantly explain and disclose information over and over I have decided that despite my current emotional state I can not and will not be making these cold calls again. I cannot cope with it. I don't trust anyone because I don't know anyone well enough. How do you divulge your darkest thoughts to a stranger and trust they will help you, you cant.

Please let me add that the staff at the Arran centre are very kind, very caring and respectful but if you promote your support your way then please listen to what people say and don't just hear.