Security guards managing reception in a mental health hospital
I was shocked to see that security guards managed reception areas in London NHS Mental Health Hospitals. NHS Health Careers state “As a security officer, you’ll be based close to the hospital entrance to monitor people going in and out.” Nowhere does it say that security guards will man the Reception.
However, I saw this when I arrived for my first Mental Health placement on an acute mental health inpatient ward in London. It didn’t exactly scream reassurance, warmth and safety to me, particularly on my first day. I was on the early shift starting at seven and dreaded the journey to an area I wasn’t familiar with. Nervous about public transport but not sure whether I’d find a parking space near the hospital, I headed towards the bus stop — in the dark. However, I relaxed once on the bus and actually enjoyed the ride, seeing places I’d not previously spotted when I was driving.
Your proverbial man in a not-so-grubby mac sauntered out of a grimy massage parlour. Nail bars — and lots of them, and a more upmarket Gentlemen’s Club next door to a greasy spoon, where two young girls stood brushing their long ponytails into place. Urgh, the thought of stray hairs finding their way into the full English breakfasts they’d soon be dishing up.
The journey was over all too quickly and as I hopped off the bus I kept my eye out for parking I could use tomorrow. The hospital was hidden by a wall and high metal bars but could be seen through the tall metal gates. Walking in via the unlocked gates I saw the brightly lit reception area just ahead.
Reception at an NHS mental health hospital
I arrived at huge glass doors where there was too many buzzers to comprehend this early in the day. I rapped my frozen knuckles on the icicled glass and waved frantically at the only person I could see — an obese gentleman wearing a white t-shirt that said Security.
Behind a plexiglass-screened reception area, the security guard appeared to be asleep at his desk. His chin rested on his chest and he was dribbling — but his eyes were open!
Still, I heard a click and the huge doors opened inwardly. The said gentleman nodded me in, urging me forward with another tip of the head and he barked “Yes!” while I was still half a dozen paces from him.
“Hello, Lavender Ward please, I’m a ……” Obese man (no longer gentle) with the bulbous nose, and full of self-importance harrumphs, “Sign in. Along the corridor, first left and left, in the lift, first floor.” His stubby arms crossed over his man boobs before he swung his chair away sullenly. As I followed his directions, my new trainers squeaked on the scuffed lino, loud and lonely in the silence that pervaded the building. And despite the warmth in the corridors, I could still feel the chill and the darkness in my bones.
Even more depressing
The scuffed mint green walls were adorned with patient artwork, some almost childlike, though many screamed of fear and desperation. I wondered if this was the right place for the display.
If I’d been admitted during my own psychotic state, and taken along this corridor, I might have freaked.
Even more so — when I found the lift and the doors juddered open. The acrid and ingrained smell of pee nipped the inside of my nostrils, making my eyes water. I gagged at the freshly-gobbed phlegm slithering down the metallic walls, and scrabbled in my bag to find anything I could use to press the buttons with. Ah! a spare pen, which I duly dropped down the gap between the doors.
Outside the lift there were seven doors and, despite the lack of clear instructions from sullen security guard, I found Lavender Ward. I stood at the locked door with its wire-mesh glass window, and yet another buzzer to press at the side. I’d finally arrived for my first mental health placement and took a moment to practice some deep breathing to calm my anxiety-induced palpitations.
Ah the pee and the phlem! Forget the security guy because that is the real welcome 😁
Laughing 😉 Thank you for replying. C
Most of the Mental Health facilities here, that I know of anyway, don’t use security guards but it is a total lockdown and in some ways I understand for my stays in the Psych Hospital. How long have you been out or are you still in hospital? I wish the very best for you and your health. I have Bipolar Disorder and have had 27 treatments of ECT. Be gentle on yourself and find something that makes you happy to think about. I know the struggle. 🙂
Wow, ECT for Bipolar – is that for the depression episodes? How did that work out for you. No, I’m not in hospital, haven’t ever been an inpatient thankfully. Having worked in mental health for many years, as a nurse and ward manager I couldn’t bear to heave been on one of our wards! I’m now medically retired, and try to look after both my mental and physical help. Distractions like writing my blog help. Oh and holidays — lots of them 🙂 Off to the Caribbean next week so I’ll get lots of R&R there. Where are you based?
Bipolar can be difficult to control, everyday is differ. I get ECT treatments when I’m at the bottom depression wise or suicidal. The procedure is very easy, they have improve the process a great deal. I don’t blame you for not wanting to stay in-house. I hope to go many years without any. My last time was in August of last year. Very traumatic experience for me in August. I have a post from the past that explains how ECT actually works, if you’re curious. Have a great day. 🙂
Oh I agree, ECT can be of benefit and we actually had some patients who swore by it. As a nurse, due to my own anxieties, I found it difficult to observe ECT but I would accompany patients if they asked me to. I will pop over to look at your post 🙂
I can understand why you were anxious about working there. It does sound quite morbid to be treated by a security guard and questionable art by patients. But I also understand that the guards may be a necessity.
Not sure seccurity guards were useful where I worked. They have no authority to lay their hands on a patient (or anyone else really) and I just found them to be a nuisance – hanging around, watching scenes unfold and doing nothing. They’d then happily return to their pals relaying their “gory” version of any incidents. That’s just my take on it. And I thought a nice pleasant receptionist would be more helpful 🙂
Oh I see, well that’s not good. It probably just makes everyone a bit uncomfortable for them to be around like that. Yeah, a nice receptionist would help since people who would check in would already be struggling.
Wow, that kinda first day and first impressions would’ve freaked me out to no end! but the security guards man reception here in Ireland’s mental health wards too! I hate how you have to be buzzed in and out. And none of the security men are very friendly either! X
It was a bit nerve-wracking. Same here with the security guards not being friendly and like here – why the need for them on reception. Not a great look for visitors either is it?