"Staff and patients have accepted me"

When I pray, I put a prayer sign outside my door and the staff acknowledge it and they understand that I need these prayer times.

The staff also understand that in my care plan that I have a lot of spiritual needs which are very specific. The multi faith room has a Wudu which I use and the room allows for congregational prayers as well which I enjoy. I’ve been a Muslim for 7 years and it has given me strength and structure to my life. It has definitely helped me.

I get leave to a mosque in London which allows me to be educated more and feel closer to Allah, whilst socialising with other brothers at the mosque. I’m thankful for the doctors to give me this leave.

I’m quite knowledgeable in Islam so I enjoy going outside of St Andrew’s to see Imams and learn even more.

Staff and patients have accepted me as a Muslim and have never said anything untoward but ask questions to help support me.

The care is good but there isn’t enough stuff to do. I’m lucky as I have a lot of leave but others find it difficult as we are away from things to do and have to get buses into town to do stuff.

In my opinion it would be preferable for a male Imam to come and see us rather than a female one because it sits better with me in my belief.