GRANDMOTHER Valerie Bateson is suing the NHS for wrecking her life - 35 years after she was prescribed LSD for post-natal depression.

The 57-year-old mother-of-three claims she was given the unlicensed psychedelic drug after the birth of her first child in 1964.

Valerie, who with her husband Brian have lived in Racecourse Walk, Radcliffe, for more than 30 years, is one of 80 former psychiatric patients across the country suing the NHS.

Their action will be heard in the High Court next year based on allegations that psychiatrists prescribed the drug for a wide range of conditions without receiving proper consent or fully understanding the implications of the treatment.

Valerie, who lived in Stockport at the time, was given "abreaction" treatment for post-natal depression at her local hospital and says the devastating effects were ignored by hospital staff.

She was admitted to the psychiatric ward at St Thomas's Hospital for three months and was given her first dose of the drug in liquid form.

"It was like a bad dream. I drank it the first time I had it and I just blacked out and I was paralysed," recalled Valerie.

"It took 24 hours before I got the feeling back into my body. I was so frightened." Valerie was never told by hospital staff that she was taking LSD, she only realised after watching a programme about the drug a few years later.

"I used to take Holy Communion in the hospital chapel before a treatment as I really did not think I would live another day."

After being given six doses, Valerie received no other treatment and was kept in hospital for another nine weeks. When she was discharged she developed monophobia, a fear of being alone.

"I had flashbacks and I am always panicking. I can no longer take any medication or go to work."

Valerie became involved in the legal action four or five years ago after responding to a television programme asking people who had experienced LSD treatment to get in touch.

She said. "I do not feel bitter or want revenge. I just want them to admit what they did."

David Harris, senior partner at Alexander Harris, solicitor for the claimants, said: "LSD was administered by the NHS for a wide range of conditions, on the basis that it opened up patients' minds more quickly than going through the process of normal therapy."

Dr Tonmoy Sharma, head of cognitive psychopharmacology at the Institute of Psychiatrists, said LSD was administered without any evidence that it could benefit.

The NHS will be defending the action.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.