"Sherdly unit T2 Whiston hospital...I was attacked!"

A couple of years ago, I was admitted to the Sherdley unit T2 when I suffered a nervous breakdown and was there for 2 weeks. During that time I was mostly cared for well, and I made a speedy recovery. However, towards the end of my stay a woman was admitted who was violent and deranged on her first night she smashed up the TV smoking room and I was kept awake by her screams and abusive shouting until about 3am. I have to say I was terrified, as I was in a dorm room at the time and this lady had been assigned to the same dorm as me!

The following morning (day before I was due to be discharged) she was in the breakfast room and roughly grabbed my arm and stole a bracelet I was wearing. I told a nurse about this but nothing was done and I didn't get my bracelet back. I did not confront the lady herself as she was about twice the size of me, and to be honest I was terrified of her, as I heard her smash up the TV room. Anyway, later that morning I was due to get the bus into St Helens to visit my mum (at this stage I was fully recovered) but this woman was allowed out to follow me to the bus stop! Where she punched and kicked me, and tried to pull my earrings out, she also stole some money out of my purse when I tried to pay the bus driver, and at that point I was in tears and VERY shaken! Now why was this obviously very violent and very sick lady allowed to follow me off the ward, and out in public? She could have attacked anyone out on the street! When I hear stories of mental patients being allowed out only to kill someone, I shudder and I think of this woman! because it really does happen and I was the victim of an unprovoked attack from a metal patient who should have been under strict supervision, and not allowed out into the street!

I really do hope things have changed a lot on T2.