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The Locked Ward

Memoirs of a Psychiatric Orderly

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The Locked Ward

By: Dennis O'Donnell
Narrated by: Dennis O'Donnell
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


An extraordinary account of a nurse's life behind the locked doors of a secure psychiatric ward.

Dennis O'Donnell started work as an orderly in the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit of a large hospital in Scotland in 2000. In his daily life he encountered fear, violence and despair but also a considerable amount of care and compassion. Recounting the stories of the patients he worked with, and those of his colleagues on the ward, here he examines major mental health conditions, methods of treatment - medication, how religion, sex, wealth, health and drugs can bear influence on mental health, the prevailing attitudes to psychiatric illness, the authorities, the professionals & society.

What emerges is a document of humanity and humour, a remarkable memoir that sheds light on a world that still remains largely unknown.

'This is a superb study of people whose minds have gone wrong, and the art of caring for them' Evening Standard


© Dennis O'Donnell 2012 (P) Penguin Audio 2012

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Critic Reviews

I really enjoyed The Locked Ward. He is compassionate without any taint of sentimentality, and the way he uses language is so elastic. It's like he's the most brilliant court-jester in the most colourful of courts. Bravo to him! (Gabriel Weston, author of Direct Red)
All stars
Most relevant
Congratulations on writing a wonderful book and telling it with such humour only you could have pulled it off. I wish there was another book you’d written and narrated as this was a cracker. Thank you.

A brilliant book, wonderfully written and narrated.

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I loved this book! Touching, honest, and witty. There were moments I agreed so full heartily with the author's sentiments I said "yes!" aloud. I wish the author had written more books! Brilliant!

Thoroughly Enjoyed!!

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Found this a very informative story of a psychiatric ward. Made you smile in places,funny in others. Sad and emotional in others. Makes you realise what some people go through and the support and care they are given. loved the language and narration. Thank you, Dennis, for writing and being caring to the people you cared for

Powerful

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Respectful and insightful stories, written and read by Dennis O’Donnell. I added this to my listening rotation as a break from the stream of fiction novels I usually listen to. I didn’t regret it. Lots of information on various aspects of mental illness without being patronising. The stories of the patients and staff were interesting, inspiring and educational and Dennis was able to wrap that into a package which was an enjoyable listen.

Two items to note:
1) I had to slow down the speed to 0.9 to ensure that I caught every word of the Scottish accent accurately.
2) There’s around a 30 sec gap of audio during the dedication piece at the end.

Interesting and enjoyable book

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what a fantastic humanistic account of a genuine, caring, and respectful individual. Loved every bit of the story.

Very touching

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