"Five gold stars"

I have a 25 year history of unstable bipolar mood disorder type 2

4 years ago while under the ‘care’ of highland health board I became very unwell with a widely swinging mood.

Sadly the care and support I received was well below standard.

If it had not been for my yellow Labrador Penny I would have packed it all in there and then.

With the encouragement of friends and family I sought help back in Glasgow,my old stomping ground.

By good fortune I was referred to the Willow Clinic on the South side of the city and was put under the care of Dr Clarke and team,

Initially the main focus was on my medication then with the help and support of firstly Sandra, and then Emma who has spent a lot of time with me exploring other techniques such as mindfulness ,cognitive therapy etc..

I am glad to report that for the first time in a decade I am stable and am doing my best to remain that way.

I realise that , as a retired doctor, I have not been the easiest to manage but have been for many years ,on the other side of the desk helping others cope with chronic illness I am best placed to make the following observations.

Those with chronic illness do better when looked after by a competent team.

Medication is not the only solution.

Continuity of care is important

Easy access to speak to a team member also

Regular review, not see and discharge and pretend that there will be no difficulty getting back into the system!

Making the next review appointment with the patient so they know right away .  Not fretting and waiting weeks to get it.

Knowing that somebody is there if needed gives patients confidence particularly if they are struggling .

All this produces better results and not necessarily more work as patient are more likely to be seen in a structured fashion and not as urgent ‘fit ins’ at an already busy clinic.

That’s how they do it at the Willow Clinic and I give them five gold stars.

I believe there are moves afoot to move away from this comprehensive approach to a less personal model.

Well, if that happens and I become poorly again the ‘Powers that be’ will have to deal with me .

Serious;y if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!!!