Basildon Mental Health Unit 2023-04-26 Person 5 5 0

Arriving at A&E in my most distressed and despairing, confused state of mind, I felt immediately listened to and cared for. The nurse quickly told me about the UCT and I was sent to them within 10 minutes. No hanging around A&E. It was an amazing level of support. The Urgent Care Team basically saved my life. I had been trying to progress my GPs OOA community referral since 27/3 and by this time I was broken and afraid and desperate. My friend drove me to the Basildon, as a last resort, to expedite the referral. My thinking was very disturbed and my thoughts were frightening me a great deal. The team all tried hard to help me. But by the end of the day, the red tape got the better of all of us (on 15/3) and the nurses couldn’t progress my referral any further. But they made a plan for me that I could call them across Sunday if I needed to and they agreed I should return on Monday (17th) to meet Dr Menesh and hopefully make some more concrete decisions about my treatment. They encouraged me to call them as I couldn’t access the crisis team from surrey (as 111, option 2, doesn’t reach Basildon from surrey). The offer, to call UCT was genius and kept me feeling safe until Monday. I’d been waiting 3 wks since my referral was sent and my MH had been deteriorating by the day - I could feel that happening. Very anxious, seeing and hearing and thinking many unpleasant things. Scared. Suicidal. Dr Menesh, Mel, Louise, Zoya, you were all beautifully kind and honest and caring throughout. Dr Menesh, you have the kindest manner. I was very afraid of the suggested admission but you helped me trust you and accept it. I knew you were right about that. Although I was shocked and scared by this step, it was the hugest relief to have you all there helping me. I will be forever grateful to you. Mel, what you did for me while I was on the ward was very beyond all expectations. I will never forget the bottle and the visiting strings you had to pull. I was also grateful when you held my hand, quite literally from the start, and told me many times that I’d get better. Zoya and Louise, you did that too. Thank you so much.

Every single staff member was compassionate and went overboard to help me. The whole team tried their best. I’m sorry there was so much bureaucracy to circumvent but I am relieved I found you. I am the lucky one.