"Self Harm care in A&E"

Last week I hurt myself really badly and didn’t go to get help straight away as I wasn’t in a good place. I was worried about having to explain what had happened and how I was feeling due to previous experiences.

However this time I got to A&E and the person in reception took my details and handled my disclosure of self harm very sensitively by not asking too many questions. Another person in the reception area even came over to ask if I was ok.

A nurse soon called me into triage and again asked questions very sensitively and was supportive. She changed the dressing and talked me through what would happen next whilst reassuring me that she would be there.

In the theatre a doctor came to examine my wound. Again he asked the questions that he needed to but took time and was very caring. He asked if I wanted to see DPM and understood when I explained why I didn’t feel that I needed to. He didn’t try to push any mental health services on me but he did ensure that I was safe to leave.

The nurse in theatre stitched me up and again was very sensitive to my needs and gave me time for each stage of treatment. She clearly explained after care and what I needed to do.

I didn’t have to wait for hours to be treated and was treated with care, compassion and respect.

Being treated like that gives me more confidence to seek help when I need it but it will definitely not make me want to go back - it’s still not where I want or choose to be.

Thank you so much for everyone’s care and time, I really appreciated it.