Published on 12, July, 2020
I was sectioned a couple of years ago and every time I appeal to go back home it's always overruled. The reason is because it's thought I can't keep myself safe and require constant support and care. I think it's because I used to get dehydrated a lot and had malnutrition but that was purely a lack of remembering to eat and drink. As a person I've always been safe to myself and others, I used to do a lot of imaginary play, I still do sometimes that's never changed. But it was never dangerous or anything like that.
I hate being in hospital. It's not home and the noise can be really distressing at times. I've been here for a long time but I'm still not used to anything here. I miss my home and I miss the familiarness of smells and possessions. My family still visit which is something but not as often, it's like they have all moved on and I'm just being forgotten. They do at least stick up to me when I appeal to go home again but I wonder if I didn't appeal would they instead for me? I worry they wouldn't.
I always was a bit stressful for them and like a burden.
I'm not sure what to do now. I've used an advocate, tried Citizens Advice and my GP. But it's led nowhere. The nurses say to keep appealing and when I'm ready I'll be ok to go home but it's been almost 4 years and it feels like it's never going to happen.
I think you should keep appealing, and please get legal advice, since keeping someone who is healthy, mentally well, and stable, and who has absolutely no record of being a risk to themselves or anyone around them for the entire 4 year duration of their hospital stay, is just nuts. Even your GP would not condone this prolonged detainment. If a person is healthy and has no record of being a risk to anyone, then why are they even at the hospital? 4 years is long enough.
Given the financial state of the NHS, what possible reason could there be in keeping "someone who is healthy, mentally well, and stable " in hospital when there is a shortage of beds for patients who are seriously ill, and a NHS bed costs upwards of £2k per week? More often, a patient is discharged to "care in the community" still with support needs because their bed is required for another patient with a higher level of need.
I agree that the original poster should seek legal advice.