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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

 Medical Medicine & Health Care Industry Mental Health Professionals & Academics Psychology & Mental Health Social Scientists & Psychologists Health Memoir Inspiring Funny Thought-Provoking Witty Heartfelt Warrior

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
A beautifully written account, perfectly narrated by the author. *immediately searches other books by author*

Highly recommend

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I absolutely loved this book! Best I've had on here. The author and narrator is funny, informative and made me feel like I was there on the ward with him.

If you're offended by swearing, it's not the book for you. It's not swearing for swearing sake and wouldn't have been as realistic or funny without it.

It's compassionately written with no holds barred.

I usually use these books to send me to sleep but I stayed awake listening to it! Couldn't get enough of it.

Thank you Dennis!

Totally gripping from start to finish...

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I have recently become interested in medical memoirs since listening to This Is Going to Hurt and Prison Doctor. Audible recommended this and I was already intrigued as I hadn't read anything that wasn't from a doctors point of view. I am also a very proud Scot so when I saw author is Scottish, I immediately downloaded!
The narration was beautiful from the first to last word, incredibly clear and the scottish accent really added to the depth of the stories. I was roaring in laughter, heart aching for the incredibly sad stories and at a few points - gasping in horror (an incident involving a fork and a hand was truly haunting!) during the book.
It highlighted a world of violence I knew nothing about, where orderlys and nurses are punched and kicked and doctors are threatened with weapons. I feel very naive that I never have thought about this. Some of the injuries Dennis and his colleagues sustain treating patients are truly horrific.
The stories were raw and very relatable. Dennis repeats on several occasions that mental health is an illness, which can affect anyone. The patients he meets and nurses are so interesting and unique.
I particularly enjoyed the stories of the patients who he nursed, who got better. Some going on to very successful and happy lives.
So many brilliant stories with excellent anecdotes, witty comments and really show the humanity and caring nature of Dennis. 100% recommend to everyone. A braw wee book tae listen to!

Witty & Gritty!

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This was an awesome book and the narration made it so enjoyable also. Very well written.

Brilliant read

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This book is an eye opener and very informative. I’ve just started a job as a support worker and have already come across some interesting individuals with conditions talked about in the book.

Fantastic

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