"About my time while on Dovedale 2 Ward as an in patient."

I was an inpatient on the Ward for 11 days. When I first arrived in the unit I felt very anxious. It was quite late one evening. My bags were handed in to the staff. Obviously everything had to be checked.

My stay was necessary for myself due to my Mental Health. I was put onto a Detox programme due to drinking to much alcohol. Mainly at home. Ordering from a website because I wouldn't go out of the house to buy it. I was quite happy with the medication I was on.

The staff were excellent. Yet at times I became paranoid that the staff did not like me. Which was not true. Has I mentioned this towards the end of my stay.

The meals were very good. I was eating and drinking properly. However I did feel that there could have been more choices on the menu at lunchtimes and teatimes. The supper trolley was put out quite early too each evening which I felt should have been later, plus more choice too.

I had the opportunity to go out with a member of staff for a small period of time. However I would not ask them. Which was my own fault. There is a Sainsburys, Tescos, Chelsea Park and Lottis Coffee shop nearby. It was the same when two friends came to visit me. Instead I asked them to go and get me some pop, other snacks in etc. I was allowed out for 30 minutes then it was extended to 1 hour. Then longer after a few days. The only time I did go out was with the Activities Corordinror to a Cafe on London Road. I still felt quite anxious.

I enjoyed sitting out in the Garden area at the back of the unit. I did chat to a few of the other patients. I was becoming upset several times. I looked at other patients and felt sad for them. They were more poorly then myself. The staff have a lot to deal with. There job is hard.

I wasn't really happy with the rules and regulations. My sprays had to be stored away. Had to ask for them each time. Then handed back in again. Obviously these rules have to be in place though.

My Father brought me my Compact CD player, radio in. That had to be pact tested first. Then I didn't use it.

Think I used my hair dryer once. Then it was stored away again.

It's only a small issue. However I asked a few times for a pack of paper towels to be put in the dining room. Some got put there eventually. I put a Carex hand wash by the sink. Due to the fact there was no soap or a dispseser there.

I did not like my bedroom door to be closed so staff did allow me to leave it propped open. I trusted the staff and patients. That is why I didn't ask for my money to be locked away.

I felt very anxious when going into the M D T room. Several Doctors were sat around the table asking me various questions. The Doctor thought I was ready to be discharged after the 11 day stay. However I didn't think so. Guess it is because I felt safe on the Ward. I had got into a routine each day. It isn't a nice place to be in.

Since being back home I have not adjusted very well really. Not been out of the house. Only to sit outside. Go up the driveway. I am under the Home Assessment Team and am on a waiting list with the Adult Social Care Team, Mental Screening. Will hopefully be issued with a Support Worker several times a week who can help me with Shopping. Go out for coffees. Socialising again. Me to feel happy again etc.

Sometimes while I was on the Ward I spoke to my Dad on the phone. I told him not to come to visit me. Argued with him at times too.

I had hoped there might have been a hairdresser who came onto the ward and a Dentist. Due to the fact that I haven't and still won't go onto my local hair salon by myself. Am no longer registered at my Dental Practice. Have not been there since around 2009.

I haven't had any alcohol since leaving the unit. Am still taking the medication. Not always at the right times though.

Some days I do want to go to a Pub have a soft drink, or a non alcoholic Lager or Beer. Just not on my own though. However some days I have been staying in bed though.

The day I was discharged. A friend came to visit me. He would have given me a lift home. Taken me to a shop. I refused to see him. Sister in charge ordered me a taxi instead.

Every decision is quite hard still. I have done an online shop since I have been back home. So that we have food in etc. Didn't order any lagers, or beers.

Going back to about the Unit. I felt there should have been at least one Clock on the Ward. The lounge was lovely. It was comfy. It was a large TV Screen. The remote control had to be handed in each time to staff. Not left by the TV.

The Ward was clean. The showers were good, very basic. Plus the toilets. I was showering there quite regularly though.

The staff were all polite, friendly. Some I felt I could talk too more than others. I wasn't aggressive or violent That just seems to be with friends and family at times.

Really I don't want to go back onto Dovedale 2 Ward. Yet at times I think about it a lot and the patients. Wondering how they are doing. It is nice being back at home with my home comforts etc.