"What you are describing Zippo sounds like torture. I'm so sorry."

Actually, I have a friend who likes it. She may have been better at entertaining herself and she was manic and had a better time. I find it useless but necessary at times. I did see a good pdoc there once who took an interest but he retired. Last time I was in was Christmas and that's the worst time. When the cleaning and food was privatized it got bad, really dirty. It was better the first time I was in and there was a courtyard and decent (sort of) food and a few limited sort of programs and really friendly cleaning staff. The cleaning staff were the most helpful and compassionate. Even brought in strings for the one string guitar. But everything was cancelled for us in the ward. Cut backs, I guess. Another hospital almost as close is apparently better and I may try to get to it next time. I'm glad others have some decent experiences. It's so helpful when they make an effort. The nurses aren't rude or mean or anything and I'm sure they mean well. They're just earning a living, though, with no real interest it seems.