Dear Supporters,
I’ve finally received a much awaited reply to my complaint regarding my care on Ward F. This has come months later after several missed deadlines. While it includes many positive recommendations for improvement, the Health Board has refused to acknowledge any breach of duty. Accountability remains absent.
According to their response, serious incidents including:
• Being allowed access to nuts while in crisis on the ward
• Escaping the ward after nurses left the office door open allowing me to abscond through a window
• Nurses mocking and dismissing my anxiety
• Nurses lying about my promised care
• Harmful neglective comments from Dr. Robertson and nursing staff contributing to further suicide attempts, e.g., suggestions I was just "attention seeking," would end up "homeless"
• A nurse lying about my family and refusing me reaccess to the ward during trial leave
…are not considered breaches of duty. This shows a dangerous pattern of dismissing patient safety, neglect, and emotional harm.
The reply is 23 pages long, and tomorrow I am meeting with the investigator to go through it. I will share more details once I’ve processed everything.
Progress and Positive Changes
I’ve finally been listened to, after several months and multiple doctors, regarding my antidepressant treatment. Adjustments made have made a real difference — reducing my antidepressant has given me significantly better stability, and I’m now on mood stabilisation medication which is having a positive effect after months of asking. This is finally helping me feel more stable.
I’ve also been granted community leave from my section, allowing me to spend valuable time with family and friends. An overnight leave trial is also planned this weekend. These changes are encouraging, but being detained without proper therapy remains a serious concern. I still have no therapy in place, despite my EUPD diagnosis being confirmed by yet another psychologist after further unnecessary assessments. I’ve had to fight through several repeated assessments with numerous professionals since February but still have no proper plans in place to meet my psychological needs. This includes my needs upon discharge.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Systemic Failings
Over the past two weeks, I witnessed the negligent discharge of a fellow patient and had to effectively take over staff responsibilities on another occasion ensuring that another patient reached A&E safely after an overdose whilst on leave — doing the job that trained staff should have done in managing a crisis. These incidents illustrate a pattern of neglect and unsafe care. I will share more regarding this.
Why This Matters
This is not just about my experience — it reflects systemic failings within Swansea Bay Mental Health Services. Patients are being contained rather than treated, left without evidence-based therapeutic support, and dismissed when in a vulnerable state.
I will soon provide a more detailed update following my meeting with the investigator (Head of Forensics), which will review the full report she has written in reply to my complaint.
That update will cover all recommendations, accountability gaps, and further evidence of unsafe practices.
The Health Board’s failings are not abstract — they endanger lives, breach legal and ethical obligations, and must be addressed. I will continue to challenge these failings and fight for justice for all affected patients.
Many thanks for the continued support — in particular, thanks to those who have stuck by me through this very difficult time. Moments like these truly show who is there for you, and your support has made a huge difference while I navigate these challenges.
I am focusing on recovery, rebuilding my independence, and moving on from the trauma of Ward F and the last few extremely difficult months of my life. While progress is slow and challenges remain, I am determined to reclaim my life and advocate for proper care — both for myself and for others affected by these systemic failings.
Many thanks
— Jacob Robertson