Dr. Fiona Morrissey:

I am very sorry Ms Wilson could not be here today because she is a brilliant advocate and has lived experience. This is Ms Wilson's statement:

This presentation is my story of my ... mental health episodes treated in Irish hospitals. I don't like remembering and disclosing these periods of “Deep Depression with Psychotic Symptoms”. Symptoms which included overwhelming guilt.

Ms Wilson's statement reads that she does it to use her voice in solidarity and to help to counteract stigma.

My first breakdown was in 2001 when I was 63. This came as a shock to me and my family, my first mental health episode in my hard-working life rearing 4 children and working full time as a lecturer in London Colleges and for the Open University. I was committed to the County Hospital, my clothes were removed for 10 days ... my husband and sister were told ECT was the best treatment, I was not told anything, the how and what and why of it.

Ms Wilson wrote a poem on ECT soon after. I do not have the attachment because it did not come in. Her statement reads that one consultant told her it was her brain chemistry and was probably genetic and that she should talk to her four children, as they may also be affected. The statement also reads that no one considered the underlying factors probably related to her childhood and that the consultant's words made her feel branded and even guiltier and more fearful.

Again in 2017 I became very depressed, and my doctor arranged my admission to another hospital as I had moved house. I was there for six months; my psychotic symptoms were very severe and I was not improving ... My consultant told my family he needed to use ECT as a last resort and they agreed but I didn't. A tribunal was set up where I argued my case with a lawyer appointed to support me. However, the tribunal agreed with the consultant, and I was made an involuntary patient and given 12 sessions of ECT. For the last one the consultant asked me to take it as a voluntary patient and I agreed. Although I can remember my psychoses there is a lot about the hospital that I don't recall. For me ECT wipes my memory ... Because I am under Old Age Psychiatry, I receive very good after care mainly by visits from Community Nurse Team.

In light of the above, Ms Wilson argues strongly that the human rights model enshrined in the CRPD should replace the hierarchical medical model that gives doctors the power to decide what is in the best interest of patients. Her advanced healthcare directive states:

Any mental health care that I require is to centre on rest, counselling and minimal short-term medication (preferably in my own home). In any episode treatment will assume my recovery and return to normal living. I specifically never want to be subjected to ECT again unless medical advice deems it absolutely necessary.

Ms Wilson's statement continues:

I have given copies of my advanced healthcare directive to my GP and Community Psychiatric Consultant ... They both welcomed the document ... and will put them in my files. Their response was an affirmation of the Human Rights model we're all working towards. Even so I am every day [still] frightened that I may have another breakdown and age 83 be sent to a nursing home and given medication against my will.

I apologise. Ms Wilson did not send me her poem and I do not have it. She is a very accomplished poet and has written a poem on ECT. Maybe we can share it with the committee afterwards.