"A Review of The St Aubyn Centre, Longview Ward"

I was on Longview Ward at The St Aubyn Centre between October 2017 and February 2018, for nearly 6 months. I started as an informal patient but was soon sectioned. Whilst I was on Longview, the care I received was of good quality. I was very ill at the time and I didn't realise that what the staff were doing was for my own benefit, but now that I am fully recovered, I can recognise that the service is very helpful and aims to help teenagers to recover enough to be able to go back out into the community. Therapy was provided regularly - I saw a psychotherapist twice a week, and a trainee psychologist once a week. On top of this, staff on shift are more often than not willing to take time aside with you to allow you to talk to them about what is bothering you. Staff are friendly and kind on the whole, although I had some difficulties with a few staff members who were rude and unprofessional, but I reported these incidents and they were dealt with properly and swiftly. Meals are varied and generally nutritious, although you can tell that it is cheap. Vegetarian options are available, but not usually vegan options, so I recommend making staff aware that you are vegan as you are admitted. The rooms are a decent size, with comfortable beds in comparison to the beds in other wards I have been on, and the showers are decent, although every room has a problem with the showers leaking from the en-suite bathroom into the bedroom because the floors weren't fitted right, you'll quickly learn to place a towel down outside the bathroom door whilst you shower! Staff are restraint trained, and they will avoid restraining you if you are informal, but if you are on section, they will restrain you immediately if you start becoming a danger to yourself or others. Mostly, restraints are done professionally and efficiently, although I did have one incident where an illegal restraint was used on one of my arms, but this was a one off incident and isn't usual practice so don't worry. The education department is fantastic; the teachers are so friendly and dedicated, there are computers, art supplies, reading books, text books, basically everything you need and more. On the ward there is a TV and a Nintendo Wii for patients to use, as well as an art room with canvases and paints, and comfortable bean bags in the visiting rooms. If you have a sibling who is under 18, they will only be able to visit you in the front visiting room, so you must book this room rather than assuming it will be free, because otherwise they can't visit you, they don't tell you this but I found out the hard way. Overall, I would rate The St Aubyn Centre (Longview Ward) a 8/10 because whilst it did have a few problems, largely my admission there was very helpful for my recovery.