Being incarcerated on Ruby Ward for 13 days last July was the worst experience of my life, and I have had some very bad experiences in my 63 years. Authoritarian consultant tried to discourage family visits. Not allowed to see husband for 3 days because ward was female. Terrified the entire time. Activities in which one is required to participate to be released entirely unsuitable to anyone with an education. No consideration given to physical issues. Permanent nursing staff make an effort, but overwhelmed. Bank nurses indifferent to useless. Lived on sandwiches because of timing and content of meals, which were unsuitable for a woman of my age with gastric reflux. Heavily and inappropriately drugged, threatened with forcible injection if I did not 'consent'. Consultant advised me to give up playing the violin for the sake of my mental health so I could take the drugs he felt appropriate, with no sense of being tautological or even oxymoronic. Have now been referred to private clinical psychologist to help deal with trauma issues induced by the experience. Mental health now worse than it has ever been, much worse than when arbitrarily sectioned. My advice is to apply for tribunal immediately should you find yourself in this awful place. Do not send your loved ones here.
"Still traumatised 8 months later"
About: Whiteleaf Centre Whiteleaf Centre Aylesbury HP20 1EG
Posted via nhs.uk
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