Dr Andrea Tocca 2014-04-22 Person 5 5 0

I have had a Mental Health problem since 1993 and was diagnosed with bi polar disorder in 2001 and have managed to be cared for in the community by Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Laurie and CPN until 2011, I was convinced the medication was not working stopped taking it which lead to massive manic attack and arrested under a 136 and sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983 and spent 3/4 months at Cherry Knowle Hospital between the Deans unit and West Willows. I have been in Electrical/Electronic Engineering for the last 46 years and returned to Lecturing since being discharged December 2011. I applied for a full time position on the 3rd February 2014 for a Training Provider based in Billingham and also Lecturing two nights at Middlesbrough College. I found the work so stressful it brought on a manic attack but as I have insight phone the Crisis Team and voluntary admitted myself to Cherry Knowle on the 20th March 2014. My Consultant Psychiatrist was Dr Andre Tocca and after he interviewed me he decided to change my medication to a Lithium based tablet, trade name PRIADEL prolonged release tablet this has gradually been increased and I am presently on 800mg and it has stabilised my manic mood dramatically. He has two talented assistants Dr Ashok Lalithambika and my mate who was on the Escape Committee Dr Zahid Kyani they took my bloods and laughed at my jokes and we all became good friends put me at rest and I enjoyed my 4 week recovery period. I was discharged today (22nd April 2014). West Willows ward is run by a talented ward manager Mrs Helen Goudie and I would lie to commend the dedication of the wonderful staff of West Willows. I include the cleaning staff, clinical leads, staff nurses, nurses and of course the support workers consisting of Emily, Rob and a special thanks to Nigel who shares my sense of humour and has kept me amused during my stay at West Willows. I must mention Sarah, her enthusiasm in trying to keep us amused and entertained whilst under observation. She is a real treasure as all of the other Service Users appreciate her efforts under difficult circumstances as we recover from our Mental Illness. In short I admitted myself broken on the 20th March 2014 and was discharged mended on the 22nd April 2014 all due to the talent of Dr Andre Tocca, his assistants and wonderful staff of West Willows. Thank you wonderful NHS its worth every penny I have contributed through N I contributions over the last 46 years. Not going back to Lecturing, going to potter on with my Electrical Business. Despite my enjoyable stay not intending to go back to hospital, will let Dr Andrew Laurie and CPN take care of me in the community. THANKS AGAIN. David Roughead.