Mental health care on the threshold of additional development after wellness centre opening

Friday, March 5, 2010 – As the staff and clients of the Golden Hope Hospital take up residence at the newly commissioned National Mental Wellness Centre, the institution's project manager says it is well placed to cater to the immediate psychiatry needs of Saint Lucia.

Psychotherapist, Francisca Plummer Gabriel, says local mental health care professionals can accredit much of their expertise to the input of international medical and educational organizations.

Mrs. Plummer Gabriel explained that such co-operation from Cuba, the Dalhousie University, and Health Canada, among others, has proven to be indispensable. It was through their support that government's efforts to reform mental health care services have been realized.

“To this end, among our future plans include continued improvement of services in each level of care, the expansion of the country mental health program and its integration into the health system, development of special programs like child and adolescent programs, and the development of addiction services, with greater emphasis on research and documentation.”

Service user of the mental wellness centre, Tessa Bonnett, says mental health maintenance is so much more than taking prescribed oral medication, and thus has applauded government's commitment to providing a real opportunity for all clients to receive specialized treatment.

In her moving speech, Ms. Bonnet called on the public to be empathetic to fellow citizens who suffer with mental disorders.

“In order to achieve optimal mental health, it is not just taking oral medication, it is all those activities which when done on a daily basis, contributes to keeping us healthy, such as, eating, bathing , attending school, work, talking to friends and relatives, and engaging in some form of exercise. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we must pray for one another, that God may bless our minds and hearts to function efficiently.”

The government of Saint Lucia is determined to improve and reform all health care facilities on the island.

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