"lakeside mental health unit"

I have been sectioned at lakeside 3 times and twice in the last six months. The compassion and commitment of the staff was generally excellent. Nevertheless the general structure of how the NHs and these departments deal with mental health issues has always struck me as out dated being based around containment of health issues rather than any real attempts to cure them with an over emphasis on administering anti psychotics and other pharmaceuticals.

Whilst NHS funding is an issue I won't be getting into this though I'm aware that it does create certain limitations on available care.

As we are all aware, many things can improve somebodies well being. Diet, exercise, time outdoors, time in nature, meditation, spirituality, religion, structure, daily routines.

It seems bizarre that the staff are able to lay heavy pressure on the administering of anti psychotics yet nobody is able to get a patient out of bed at a reasonable hour, or to insist upon them participating in occupational therapy. I think the OT is such an important factor in patients well being and being able to better themselves yet it's emphasis is too little.

As diet is so important to a patients wellbeing, it surprised me to see how bad the food is in terms of nutrition and health. There's a need to educate patients on how to better look after themselves.

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of giving up smoking which I really felt and whole heartedly supported. I did feel for the patients given that they are on heavy anti psychotics for the most part and are usually in some kind of inner turmoil where letting go of addictions can be a big challenge.

It would be nice to have seen more explanations to patients about addictions and how they work, methods to give up through mindfulness, manifesting, discipline, visualizing etc..

I think they should be a better equipped library and I think the amount of time spent outside and outside in green spaces is far too little for a patient to improve his/her well being.

Sometimes a bit more transparency with certain patients would help. Explain to them that everything they do is monitored and reflects real life in a way and that it's not just what happens in the 20 minutes meeting once a week with doctors.

I'd like to express my gratitude at how I was treated by all the staff. I'm reasonably helpful, caring, charming and charismatic when needs be. As in life you get back what you put in. I did sometimes feel that certain patients going through heavy traumas could be afforded a little more compassion from the staff. A little more objectivity perhaps.

I honestly think the hospitals should cut down and educate both staff and patients on recycling and implement a fundamental change in the style of catering, general supplies etc..

To not take advantage of the garden for patients use at the centre of lakeside felt like a terrible waste. I agree that it shouldn't be used for smoking and the overseeing of this creates its problems but never the less this kind of space could do so much for patients well being.

I think there needs to be more one on one talks with patients. Perhaps some OT which allows visitors to participate in

There are many ancient and modern alteristic methods to deal with mental health which are infinitely more successful for such conditions. these should be investigated and implemented as a priority. acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, sound healing, yoga, reiki.

Patients should be informed of their rights more clearly. That whilst sometimes beneficial. the receiving of anti psychotics is sometimes a choice they can turn down without being put under pressure.