Trapped and Betrayed: My Harrowing Experience with Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust

by Walthari Nikolaj (victim)

In 2017, I voluntarily admitted myself to a psychiatric hospital under the care of the Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust (BCHFT) for an assessment. This decision was made after enduring relentless harassment and coercion. By admitting myself voluntarily, I believed I retained the right to leave the hospital whenever I wished. Unfortunately, this fundamental right was denied, leading to a series of events that deeply violated my rights and trust in the NHS healthcare system.

Upon admission, I described my experience of being in the hospital as "a type of abuse." Despite my voluntary status, I was not permitted to leave, a clear violation of my rights. Before this admission, I had been assessed twice and found not to be detainable under the Mental Health Act. Yet, during my time at the hospital, these assessments were disregarded, and the coercive control involved in this event was overlooked.

The situation deteriorated further during my 'involuntary' stay. I was neither shown my care plan nor asked for my consent regarding sharing my personal information. I wasn't told about any family members involved in my care. Without my knowledge or consent, a member of the public was designated as my "nominated next of kin" and "point of contact." This individual conveyed false and malicious information to the hospital staff, including a ward manager and named nurse, who recorded the interactions.

I feel violated.

Moreover, this person was informed about my updates and was directly involved in my care plan despite my lack of consent or even being informed. The actions of BCHFT in this situation were not just unethical and unlawful. They failed to safeguard my rights and breached my data protection, causing me immense fear and distress. The involvement of an unauthorised individual in my care without my consent and the denial of my right to leave a voluntary admission are actions that should never have occurred. The plan was to use Section 5 (2) if I asked for discharge. Together, I was not allowed to leave for almost two weeks. It was the worst experience of my life because I'd voluntarily sectioned myself to get away from abuse and had been trapped.

My experience with BCHFT highlights severe shortcomings in handling patient care and rights. Patients should feel safe and supported during their most vulnerable times, not further victimised by the system or service meant to protect them. The trust's failure to uphold these basic principles of care and respect underscores the need for significant improvements in its practices and policies.

No words can fully convey the fear and distress caused by these unlawful actions. What happened to me under the care of BCHFT should serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding patient rights and ensuring that no one else has to endure such a traumatic experience.