My daughter Hatty has paranoid schizophrenia which affects every aspect of her life. Hatty has spent most of her adolescence experiencing severe and life threatening physical and mental illness in general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals around the country, far away from her family in Dorchester.
Moving somebody from place to place is no substitute for effective treatment when change is a major trigger for difficulties; it can cause untold damage. Hatty always expressed her wishes to be at home and after years of fighting to make it happen, she now has a Housing Association flat. The combination of the correct antipsychotic medication, an intense package of 24-hour care and being able to have contact with friends and family, is helping to keep her stable.
Dorset County Hospital is a place where Hatty has received kindness, understanding and excellent care. The fact that Hatty feels comfortable at Dorset County Hospital and has a fantastic relationship with many staff around the hospital is amazing because many people with mental illness feel uneasy in general hospitals. We are delighted there will be child and adolescent mental health facilities available in the new Emergency Department as we know first-hand how patients like Hatty benefit from staying close to homes and families during times of trauma.”
Watch our short film Hatty’s Story below:
