Podcast reveals realities of life in a mental health hospital in Northampton during coronavirus pandemic

A podcast episode has revealed what life is like for patients and staff in a mental health hospital in Northampton during the coronavirus outbreak

St Andrew's Healthcare's podcast, On the Ward, explores the additional challenges and anxieties of Covid-19 such as not being able to go out or see family face-to-face and staff having to wear personal protective equipment.

Staff nurse and podcast host, John Barry Waldron, spoke to two patients detained under the Mental Health Act, a clinical psychologist, a nurse and a healthcare assistant to find out how they are dealing with the new normal.

“For some people who have impaired judgement or perhaps see or hear things due to their mental illness, adding in a global pandemic is making life on the ward particularly challenging," he said.

"Many may not understand why they can’t go out, why staff are wearing masks, and why we’re having to adhere to social distancing, so it has been difficult.

“Through this episode, we wanted to share with the world the realities of how a secure mental health hospital is coping and in some cases thriving, but also share some tips and advice for those listening from home who may also be struggling.”

One of the female patients, who has been at St Andrew’s for almost 18 months, explains to John that while she is coping well, the virus is also likely to delay her discharge from hospital:

“The only thing that’s stopping me [leaving hospital] is finding somewhere to go because it’s so hard to find something with the right support so I can carry on being the way I want to be," she said.

Caroline Power, one of the psychologists at St Andrew’s Healthcare, said it is important for both patients and staff alike to maintain a sense of routine and structure throughout this virus.

“[The patients] feel a lot more stuck than they ordinarily would. They can’t see their families, they can’t have visits… things which are so important when you’re sectioned," she said.

“Often my job involves talking and doing that with a mask on is really, really hard. Some of the patients are ok with it but for others, maybe older patients who are hard of hearing it’s a challenge.

“But there are lots of things we’re doing to keep spirits up…maintaining a sense of structure, exercise, and activities are really important.”

Both John and Caroline also advise those struggling to continue connecting with their friends and family and to open up and talk.