**Teenager with Severe Allergy Highlights Gaps in Hospital Mental Health and Safety Protocols**
An 18-year-old student from Swansea has voiced serious concerns about patient safety after he was able to order and consume nuts—despite his life-threatening allergy—while on a mental health ward at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. Jacob Robertson, who suffers from a severe nut allergy and complex mental health challenges, claims the incident resulted in a near-fatal allergic reaction and has prompted him to file official complaints against his GP, the hospital, and local mental health services.
Jacob’s ordeal began earlier this year when his mental health took a drastic turn, leading to an initial hospital admission following a suicide attempt. While under supervision, Jacob explained that he managed to have brazil nuts delivered directly to his ward, a choice which swiftly led to an episode of anaphylactic shock. Quick intervention by medical staff saved his life, but Jacob says the trauma has left him struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) atop his existing mental health troubles.
The teenager, who previously excelled at Olchfa School and had planned to study pharmacy at Bath University, says his attempts to seek help were often dismissed. He claims that warnings about his suicidal intentions were sometimes minimised by staff, with one nurse reportedly labelling them as “attention seeking”. Jacob’s mother, Rebekah Robertson, has also raised concerns about disjointed care, citing a lack of continuity as he cycled through as many as six psychiatrists in a matter of four months.
Despite a move to Cefn Coed Hospital, under the care of the same health authority, Jacob feels that his fundamental needs remain unmet. He has highlighted long waits for a dedicated care coordinator and delays in receiving specialised therapy, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), aimed at helping those who experience intense emotional distress.
The family’s frustrations extend beyond his time in hospital. The journey began when Jacob was prescribed an antidepressant by his GP, a decision which he and his mother believe contributed to his decline. They allege that the prescribed dosage of sertraline was far higher than is recommended for someone Jacob’s age, leading to adverse side effects commonly associated with increased suicidal risk in young people.
Jacob’s account points to wider flaws within the mental health system. He describes feeling unsafe, unsupported, and often discharged from care prematurely—even at points when his mental state was at its most fragile. His mother recalls worrying incidents, including one where he was found on the rooftop of a multi-storey car park, and another involving the police helicopter searching for him after he was released from hospital. Rebekah, who runs her own local business, says the lack of clarity and disagreement among health professionals has left her utterly exhausted and fearful for her son’s life.
While Jacob praises his school for their empathy and support, he believes more could be done within the NHS to listen to and respect the concerns of young people in crisis. The lack of cohesive communication between community mental health teams has only intensified his family’s distress, with crucial information and handovers routinely lost during transitions between care providers.
The experience has spurred Jacob on to advocate for change. Alongside lodging formal complaints with Swansea Bay University Health Board, he has started a petition calling for better mental health provision and safety protocols for vulnerable patients. The health board, maintaining patient confidentiality, has so far refrained from commenting on the specifics of Jacob’s care but expressed hope for ongoing dialogue to address his concerns.
For families like the Robertsons, the emotional toll continues. Rebekah confides that seeing her son’s empty bedroom fills her with dread for the future and a sense of helplessness in the present. She herself became hospitalised after developing an infection as her own health suffered from the continual stress.
The situation shines a light not only on the challenges in Wales’s mental health services but also on the risks that can arise when care is fragmented and protocols are not strictly enforced. Jacob’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and clear communication in treating some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
With a long road to recovery still ahead, Jacob and Rebekah hope their voices might bring about necessary change and ensure that no other young person faces the same dangers while seeking help.