"Lack of OT is preventing our daughter getting the care she needs"

On the adult mental health wards, there is a fantastic OT unit, with all the equipment you could need or want, but it can't be staffed because of the cut backs. If we're honest, Highbury was sold to us and our daughter partly on the basis of the gym and OT department (our daughter leads a very active lifestyle, and this tends to contribute to her well being). Our daughter has now been in Highbury Hospital for 4 weeks, but staff having filled in the forms for her to access the gym, apparently she is not classed as a priority case.

She has little if any one-to-one time with nurses, which is not a criticism of the staff as such, it's a criticism of the system which doesn't allow nurses the time with patients.

Our daughter is beginning to pull her hair out, she is not keeping active, she has little time with staff, and she is getting very anxious.

We honestly believe she would cope in here longer and therefore get the care she needs for longer if she could keep busy and stimulated but as it stands, she will be wanting to discharge herself very soon. The only time she gets out is when we visit, although there is one person who tries to take her out on a walk whenever they can - but this isn't really enough.

I think Highbury has the potential to make a difference to her, but she needs to be supported to lead a healthy, active lifestyle while she's here - in line with her lifestyle when she's not in hospital.