"We are here on the basis that we have hope to get better"

We are here on the basis that we have hope to get better. But what do staff do to help me to get better? I feel like you have grown men reduced to the level of a toddler within the institution.

As a high functioning patient, the only activities that give me any sense of purpose are football three times a week and gym sessions twice a week. We have a lot of red tape that restrict us. I have been in other medium secure hospitals where there are not as many restrictions. I don't know what the rules of the ward are, only what I learn from others. In my view, staff tend to change the rules to suit them.

One rule is that you are not allowed fruit juice in bottles in your bedroom, so I had to drink it from a bottle in the lounge. I spent time arguing with staff about this, then they pulled their pits and tried to get me into seclusion.

Another example is that you cannot use the phone if the yard door is open - why? Kitchen and laundry doors cannot be open at the same time - why?

Staff gave me a risk behaviour and do not tell me, then I find out that I have restrictions put on me that I do not know about. I feel like they put risk behaviours in place in a punitive way. If there is an atmosphere brewing on the ward, staff should intervene rather than just observe from the office.

I have had no access to the internet since being at St Andrew's - some patients can via education. I would like more stimulating activities to do that will help me get better to return to the community.