"Lack of professional care"

Consultants rush to medicate with injections and oral medication from the very first - there is no attempt at therapy, talking or counselling. The GP took patient in for assessment but said the treatment - instant medication and threats of injection - were not what they intended having known the patient for 2 years. After 17 weeks there is nothing they can do. GP is horrified by the treatment but will only telephone me to say so, will put nothing in writing.

They listen to no-one's opinion outside of the ward, not Community Care team or GP. There is no attempt at psychology or understanding. If the patient does not agree to medication there is unkind punishment - ie not allowed to join others in little treats such as a visit to the park or a walk round the hospital grounds. There are no facilities for exercise or mental stimulus. The activiities list grandly displayed is a cynical joke.

My partner is an intelligent, pleasant 72 year-old who does not deserve this uncaring and misguided treatment. Patients sit around like zombies, especially on a Friday so that doctors and consultants can leave for the weekend.

Our requests for patient notes, information as to why my partner was admitted and what the medication hopes to achieve (apart from swollen limbs and abdomen, memory loss, slurred speech and tiredness) are refused. Freedom of Information applications went in two months ago with no result.

There is an intense feeling of frustration at being locked in and helpless with medical staff unaccountable and all-powerful. Two tribunals are postponed for weeks due to lack of information required by the Circuit Judge....patient still locked in and injected.

Does anyone read this? Does anyone care?

ps I have tried to print this for my records but printing is blocked. Why?