MEANWOOD PARK HOSPITAL 1975-1977
Posted: Thu 25 Feb, 2016 6:25 pm
I was employed at the Hospital as a Nursing Assistant 1975-1977 on Villa 12. Then headed off to Bradford University.
I was delighted to find this ( and other websites) with " History " of the Hospital. I was, however, dismayed to hear stories of what appears to be abuse and neglect. This was NOT my experience. Villa 12 was a " locked" Villa. Some of the most challenged and challenging patients were living here. I recall many patients that were physically violent towards staff: those that extremely difficult to often manage alone. No! things were not perfect but I feel the staff did a great job of working with individual patients. AS has been posted elsewhere, I NEVER saw nor participated in quote " giving patients weekly enemas; carrying sand bags for punishment; cold baths; or having injections to control their behaviors. The latter was very RARE. I remember as dedicated staff doing the best that they could given the acuity of the Villa.
I recall patients and staff going on vacations and day trips. I remember fondly taking day trips to Blackpool with a van full of our lads. We has packed lunches. The staff paid for drinks, coffee and tea. I remember how many of our patients actually feared the " outside world." As we walked down the Promenade of course people stopped and starred at us. WE did care and we walked on. Our lads stayed close by our sides. We held their hands and guided them. We laughed and smiled. Our lads were often very scared. This I do remember.
Back on the VIlla. I remember Lilly our custodian and kitchen lady - how our lads loved her and helped clean up after meals. I remember the morning schedule of breakfast then shaving and cutting hair - but even then I believe there was a person who was a professional and came to the Villa and did a crack up job.
I remember staff taking pride in putting together the clothes for our lads on the night shift. WE had little/nothing to work with.
I remember our Charge Nurses and other Nursing Assistants. Names withheld for privacy.
I remember us all defending our lads. FEW visitors came to to Villa 12; family of professionals. There were more laughs ( not at anyone's expense) rather than sadness. We really were a " family." Of course things have changed over the years now with regards to mental illnesses. I for one, believe that staff and patients did the best that we could to normalize "life." This was NO walk in the park. I will NEVER FORGET the experience and great pride we all showed in doing our best with a very difficult patient population, with little or no resources. This was the 70's. The time is very poignant to me...and always will be.
I did feel great sadness when I re-visited Leeds and Meanwood back in 2009 ( I now live in the USA ) and found that the hospital was GONE! All the memories. All the patients and staff - gone. I sat and felt such sadness. I went on to become a Registered Nurse, obtained my Masters Degree in Nursing and NP Cert training in Boston. After many years in Nursing I became a cop. I have since retired.I make no bones about it - Meanwood Park Hospital gave me the skills to work with many varied populations, often difficult as a cop - I can never forget. I will never forget. Best wishes to ALL.
I was delighted to find this ( and other websites) with " History " of the Hospital. I was, however, dismayed to hear stories of what appears to be abuse and neglect. This was NOT my experience. Villa 12 was a " locked" Villa. Some of the most challenged and challenging patients were living here. I recall many patients that were physically violent towards staff: those that extremely difficult to often manage alone. No! things were not perfect but I feel the staff did a great job of working with individual patients. AS has been posted elsewhere, I NEVER saw nor participated in quote " giving patients weekly enemas; carrying sand bags for punishment; cold baths; or having injections to control their behaviors. The latter was very RARE. I remember as dedicated staff doing the best that they could given the acuity of the Villa.
I recall patients and staff going on vacations and day trips. I remember fondly taking day trips to Blackpool with a van full of our lads. We has packed lunches. The staff paid for drinks, coffee and tea. I remember how many of our patients actually feared the " outside world." As we walked down the Promenade of course people stopped and starred at us. WE did care and we walked on. Our lads stayed close by our sides. We held their hands and guided them. We laughed and smiled. Our lads were often very scared. This I do remember.
Back on the VIlla. I remember Lilly our custodian and kitchen lady - how our lads loved her and helped clean up after meals. I remember the morning schedule of breakfast then shaving and cutting hair - but even then I believe there was a person who was a professional and came to the Villa and did a crack up job.
I remember staff taking pride in putting together the clothes for our lads on the night shift. WE had little/nothing to work with.
I remember our Charge Nurses and other Nursing Assistants. Names withheld for privacy.
I remember us all defending our lads. FEW visitors came to to Villa 12; family of professionals. There were more laughs ( not at anyone's expense) rather than sadness. We really were a " family." Of course things have changed over the years now with regards to mental illnesses. I for one, believe that staff and patients did the best that we could to normalize "life." This was NO walk in the park. I will NEVER FORGET the experience and great pride we all showed in doing our best with a very difficult patient population, with little or no resources. This was the 70's. The time is very poignant to me...and always will be.
I did feel great sadness when I re-visited Leeds and Meanwood back in 2009 ( I now live in the USA ) and found that the hospital was GONE! All the memories. All the patients and staff - gone. I sat and felt such sadness. I went on to become a Registered Nurse, obtained my Masters Degree in Nursing and NP Cert training in Boston. After many years in Nursing I became a cop. I have since retired.I make no bones about it - Meanwood Park Hospital gave me the skills to work with many varied populations, often difficult as a cop - I can never forget. I will never forget. Best wishes to ALL.