"From my Facebook page. So upset and worried"

Yesterday I visited my older sister who has been sectioned under the mental heath act at Reading Prospect Park hospital for severe manic depression or something similar.

She is 74 but on a ward with girls and boys who’s average age is about 20. Yesterday morning she was almost killed when a heavy table was thrown in rage. She does not feel safe and fears for her life constantly. She has been forced to give up smoking after 55 years of being a smoker. The side effects of not being allowed a cigarette is making her and her fellow inmates more depressed, angry and unpredictable as they are forced to quit at a time when they are seriously unwell and vulnerable. There is no television or radio for anyone on the ward to listen to. The can receive calls on the one telephone which has to be available for everyone. She is not allowed her mobile phone to talk to her husband and family or use social media (I personally would be lost without mine and feel totally isolated and alone) She is not allowed her makeup and many other personal effects. He feet are swollen like balloons and she is in pain with another long term illness which is making her uncomfortable. When I was at the hospital no one was available to reassure her or myself that she was receiving the psychiatric or medical care she needed.

Mental Health is a serious illness which affects the mind. It should be treated in a way to make the patient comfortable and reassured that they will be made better. I am absolutely discussed that in this country our most vulnerable are being treated in this way. She would be more comfortable if she had committed a serious crime and was in prison. It is an illness which can effect any one of us and it has no class or race boundaries. Thank you for reading xxxx