I am a self-acknowledged pain in the arse. I stick to my chosen principle of choice in treatment and that those of us who live with the normality of madness in our lives have the human right to live in this society with dignity.

The right not to be feared because we are different, odd! The human rights we fought hard for and won in the UN with the new Convention on Human Rights of the Disabled not yet ratified by this state. The right not to be forced to take treatment based on no acceptable science. Right or wrong, we have that right to the open debate.

We were in Leister House recently. Paddy McGowan a great hero in the user movement and myself were to present the case to delete section 59b, the administration of ECT against the patient’s will by force. Paddy will forgive me for saying this but we could not have been as effective as we were, without the courage of our third speaker.

So to this brave man. Dr Pat Bracken is Clinical Director of Mental Health Services in West Cork. He is a consultant psychiatrist; yes, I have a friend who is a psychiatrist.

We have been working together over the years having broad ranging discussions on policy and methodology of achieving change; not always in agreement but he was always open to the process. Despite the fact that he has so much to learn I persist with him! Dr Pat Bracken lent a weight of authority to the proceedings last week way beyond our remit.

For a doctor to speak out in opposition to his profession’s point of view takes courage, but for a consultant to break ranks and help initiate the dismantling of the power base of his entire profession takes a quality of courage and principled thinking that is rarely to be found in any individual. Pat stated in Leinster House 23/2/10 that as a law the Mental Health Act: “In my opinion, puts far too much power in the hands of psychiatrists”.

He also stated:
“My essential argument is that Section 59B serves to safeguard the doctor who administers ECT, rather that the patient receiving it… If Section 59(B) was removed, ECT could still be given to patients without consent, but it would be given under common law.”

Obstetrics are still equivocating over the Neary affair so for Dr Pat Bracken to take a stance in the public domain on behalf of patients to speak of the paternalism of his profession marks him as an extraordinary man. He works in the public service, not an area known for its quality of straightforward speak, but even less so for breaking ranks and condemning the system he works within.

The medical profession does not have a history of a gentle hand with those who take a stand; as this man has done so: we need to protect him now. The very recently deceased Dr Michael Corry, another brave spokesman on patient’s rights, a prime example he was hounded even at death’s door by sections of his profession, in the private, medical, legal, public and media arenas. A great man, you might remember him from his appearance on the Late Late condemning the over use of psychotic meds and their terrible side effects.

He has peace now but I bet, knowing Mick, in a new campaign. Pat Bracken’s real protection is his experience, his professionalism and continuing expertise and research. We will begin establishing a more open caring and inclusive service as a result of this man’s courage. The effects of his courage will ripple out from here.

We are grateful Pat; I hope you comprehend how truly grateful we are. To read the entire presentations given by the group at Leinster House log on to www.delete59b.wordpress.com.

To sign on to the campaign to stop forced ECT – remember we are not trying to stop ECT here given on a voluntary basis with consent – but simply forced ECT and only forced ECT go to www.delete59b.com.