Blog 2
Speaking openly and publicly about my experience brings some relief, knowing that health professionals and researchers want to hear the “good, the bad and the ugly” about failures of health care in the UK, is refreshing.
Hello, my name is Roy Fussey, and I’d like to share my and my wife Elizabeth’s story with you today. During the summer of 2003, Elizabeth, a long-time mental health Nurse went into work and suffered a serious assault from a sectioned patient. This assault has led to Elizabeth developing complex physical and mental health problems.
Since the assault, Elizabeth has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and is registered blind. She has put herself at risk, repeatedly leaving the house in an unsafe state, running towards traffic and taking overdoses. Over the years she has attempted to take her life on several occasions, abused alcohol and prescription drugs. In the years since the assault on Elizabeth, I have faced many challenging situations, many caused by her unpredictable and dangerous behaviours that often appear out of her control. Other challenges have been created by services either being unwilling or unable to provide appropriate and timely treatment and care for Elizabeth’s complex needs. On occasions simply discharging her and hoping her problems will go away.
For over twenty years my life has been a challenge and an “emotional roller coaster” at times not knowing what the next day will bring. I believe I am well placed to engage with Health Care public consultation. I have learned what works and what doesn’t. Speaking openly and publicly about my experience brings some relief, knowing that health professionals and researchers want to hear the “good, the bad and the ugly” about failures of health care in the UK, is refreshing. Being able to talk about my experiences brings some relief to me but also can be emotional and troubling.
I have been involved with several research projects with Newcastle University and involved with mental health Trust projects and staff development around carers and family members. I have considerable interest in personality disorders, and I believe it is still an area of health care that is still not fully understood or provided for. The effects on family members living with a person with complex needs can often easily be underestimated by services.
My motivation to participate in research and development is that no other person, family or carer should face the lack of understanding, empathy and failures we have faced on so many occasions. On a positive note, at the moment our lives remain difficult but stable. Brought about by consistency, understanding and empathy from services. But all this we had to fight for!
Researchers should not forget to inform all participants of the outcomes and how the research will be used.
Public Contributor: Roy Fussey