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"Discharged quickly"

About: New Craigs Hospital / In-patient Services

(as the patient),

I was recently a patient in New Craigs Hospital, 1st Maree Ward there were no beds and I ended up being admitted to a bed with no bathroom just a old tv lounge and put on observations it was awful. Could not rest and sleep with the lights on 24 hours, had to ask to go to toilet and was not allowed out the room. I find this situation appalling for an autistic learning disability patient.

Eventually got a bed but still on observations again I couldn't rest or sleep, I tried loads to talk to staff but some forced me to go sleep and some staff I feel were not trained in dealing with transgender patient. I told staff I don't need close obs when going to toilet as I was not suicidal or self harming but some were rude and came into the bathroom which I pulled up my trousers quickly, this left me humiliated and lost for words. I feel staff did not know how deal with me being unwell and having autism and a learning disability. At some points I was restrained and and some point I was taken to Affric ward without any warnings or information. I found Affric ward hard to deal with . 

I had phone call that I did not understand about and met a doctor I had no idea about. Then ward round came saw a staff member who said I was ready for discharge and I was discharged without my community team being involved or invited in my paper work its says I would like my discharge planned time of ward day or night pass and extra support in place.

Im frustrated I could just be discharged quickly without my community team being involved yes I said was ready go home but i'm still unwell and cant make those decisions as i've learning disability and Autism i needed the help of my community team. 

I feel the staff I saw have no training to help learning disability and autism patients with mental health issues.

Im out but struggling was only in 2 weeks which is not enough to get treatment and recover 

I want to know why I keep get put to Affric ward and why I was been restrained multiple times and sedated. 

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Responses

Response from Barry Muirhead, Associate Nurse Director, Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing, NHS Highland 2 days ago
We are preparing to make a change
Barry Muirhead
Associate Nurse Director, Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing,
NHS Highland
Submitted on 05/11/2025 at 11:42
Published on Care Opinion at 11:47


Dear augustmf44.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly sorry to hear about the distressing circumstances you encountered during your admission to New Craigs Hospital. We recognise how difficult and upsetting this must have been, particularly given your needs related to autism, learning disability, and gender identity.

I want to acknowledge that being admitted to a non-standard care area, such as a lounge space without appropriate facilities, is far from ideal. This is not the experience we want anyone to have. Due to pressures on bed availability, this was a temporary measure, and we are actively working to increase the number of acute admission beds to prevent similar situations in the future.

I also hear your concerns about communication, restraint, observation practices, and the involvement of your community team in discharge planning. These are serious issues, and we are committed to learning from your experience to improve how we support individuals with complex needs.

To ensure we can look into your concerns in detail and provide a full response, I would encourage you to contact the NHS Highland Feedback Team. They can support you through the process and ensure your voice is heard. You can reach them by email at nhshighland.feedback@nhs.scot or telephoning 01463 704997.

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