Text size

Theme

Language

"No one believes me"

About: Mental Health Services / Adult Mental Health Services New Stobhill Hospital / Skye House (Glasgow Adolescent Inpatient Unit)

(as the patient),

I was told at Queen Elizabeth hospital I was being sent to an adult Psych ward - I was 14 at the time. I was so scared and didn't know what to expect, but when I got put on ward 20 all the nursing staff were so nice.

I was on a short time detention order for 28 days. In the end I was there for like 1 month and a bit, and the staff helped me feel better, more comfortable in a adults ward but the one thing that I didn't agree on was them doing hold when it was unnecessary and also telling me to leave the toilet door open a bit. Don't get me wrong know it's for safety, but it's uncomfortable and that and the hold seemed so unnecessary.

Half way through my time at Hairmyres I was getting worse but couldn't talk to the nurses and doctors about it. All of them thought I was fine when I was not, I was at my breaking point. I was breaking down in tears when my brother and foster Carer came up, cause of how they started being rude, and how stressful and horrible it was for a child to be in an adult ward. At one point they took everything out my room, and were giving me meds without explaining what they were doing to me.

But I have to say a big thanks to one nurse from ward 20 in Hairmyres. She was the best nurse in there, she was understanding and tried her best to understand. Honestly couldn't of dealt way that place if it wasn't for her she got be through so much and I could talk to her about anything.

I later got moved to Skye House kids psych ward and was in there for 3 months, then got put into kids home. I am now still getting moved about and still in and out of hospital, all cause the doctors didn't listen to me and told me I wasn't at risk when I was in Hairmyres.

As soon as I left Hairmyres and Skye House I got section 3 under the mental health act. I'm 15 now, still fighting to stay alive and getting sectioned yet again. Mental health struggles are a silent killer, it kills you inside, honestly it's so draining.

I just wish the doctors at Hairmyres had believed me, they could of saved me when they had the chance to, but they didn't and still to this day no one believes me. It's horrible.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Service Manager - Mental Health, North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership 9 months ago
North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 20/08/2024 at 11:57
Published on Care Opinion at 12:01


Thank you for sharing your feedback on your stay in Ward 20 at University Hospital Hairmyres. It is great to hear that one particular nurse in the ward helped and supported you so well. However it is concerning to read that this positive experience did not extend to your full stay in the ward. I would really like to discuss this with you, to find out how you are now, if there is any other support we could give you and what learning we could take from your experience. If you would be happy to do so, could you please call me on 01698 366930.

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 9 months ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 23/08/2024 at 16:45
Published on Care Opinion at 16:45


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Chloe x

I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s understandable that you felt scared and unsupported at times. It’s good to hear that there were some staff members who made a positive difference, like the nurse at Hairmyres. Having someone who listens and understands can make such a big impact.

It’s frustrating and disheartening when you feel like your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, especially when it comes to your mental health. I understand that NHS Lanarkshire have asked you to get in touch, but if you would like to discuss your experience in the Skye Unit, can you please contact my colleague, Jackie Hardie, who is the Service Manager, on 0141 232 6420.

If you don’t feel comfortable contacting us, there are also other organisations that can help support you.

The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, You can call them on 116 123 (freephone) or email: jo@samaritans.org

Childline which is open 24 hours a day. You can call them on 0800 1111 or visit their website: www.childline.org.uk

Shout is a free 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. You can Text SHOUT to 85258 www.giveusashout.org

Take care

Nicole

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k