I was just discharged from Wellbridge this week. It is difficult to review with one group of stars. I will summarize below as they go from 1 to 5. But first, some of these reviews sound like patients I heard claiming the staff broke their ribs, assaulted them, etc. I witnessed this activity, initiated by the patients, who would call friends and family loudly and make it sound like a horror house, which it is not. I never saw any level of abuse by the staff. They were, for the most part, friendly, and yes, at times were required to use an appropriate level of force - understand that this is a psychiatric hospital. There were issues, good and bad.
1) My husband attempted to leave a message for me - but I never received it. Since my discharge, I have left messages for 2 patients who became close friends. We were going through really bad times together. I do not personally believe the messages were given to them at this point. I called again tonight and was told the patient's phone to call was not working. I challenge that. Several times when I called the facility this week, the phone was not answered. That is not acceptable in my view. The night that I arrived, the transport driver was frustrated because no one would answer the doors and he was told the bell did not work. We waited outside for at least 30 minutes.
2) Patients who are calm and safe to be around are not segregated from the more aggressive patients. That created a bit of a fear factor in those of us who needed temporary help vs. those who appeared to need more permanent care. However, the staff acted appropriately with the "events" that one may expect in a mental health need environment. As our rooms are not locked at night for security reasons, I'm assuming regarding self-harm concerns, there was concern that an aggressive patient could easily enter the room although there was security, not always paying attention, at the end of the hall.
3) The nurses/doctors and key management contact Josiah were excellent in consultation.
4) The group sessions were excellent, and the speakers were friendly, understanding, and professional.
5) My biggest surprise, the food was good - I was shocked and gained a few pounds. Carrot cake, beef stroganoff, meatloaf, a Chinese lunch, eggs for breakfast, bacon with a croissant, snacks - not a restaurant but surprisingly good.
In summary, if the executives read this, 1) and 2) are key concerns, I hope you address these immediately. When the transport driver becomes more anxious than the patient, it is worthy of review! Otherwise, the extremely negative reviews, unless there was a recent management change, are not reflective of the facility based on my experience. read more
