Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a profile of Dave Morrison.
In this case study, Dave provides a short biography of his background and is then interviewed by Jerome.
Dave has had two careers. The first as a scaffolder. The second as a nursing assistant in mental health services. He has ended up bruised and battered in both.
Every case study tells a different story. The effects of stress can be cumulative.
There are many accounts of how hospitalisation has traumatised service users. Yet, working in these services can also be traumatic for the care staff.
Professor Tony Butterworth used to say ‘Happy nurse equals happy patient.’ If you look after staff needs, they will provide better care. Have we ever really looked after the needs of mental health care staff? Dave’s story is unique. As Nicola Adams says, ‘Fall down eight times, get up nine.’ Dave has fallen down many more times than this. Eventually it gets harder to get back up.