Gov’t Addressing Mental Health Cases In Infirmaries

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said more will be done to address issues relating to mental health cases in infirmaries and drop-in facilities across the island.

“Within our infirmaries right across the country, including the two Golden Age Homes, there are persons in these facilities that are affected by mental health problems. We have psychiatric nurses who are assigned to all our infirmaries and some of our drop-in facilities. We’re going to need to do some more,” Minister McKenzie said.

He indicated that the matter will be addressed through engagement with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to the Trelawny Drop-In Centre in Falmouth on Thursday (February 26).

Minister McKenzie also underscored the importance of maintaining order within State-run facilities, noting that they operate under established guidelines.

He further stated that while the Government remains committed to providing care and support, safety within the institutions must be preserved.

Turning to the operations of the Trelawny Drop-In Centre, Minister McKenzie noted that the facility continues to serve a steady number of vulnerable persons daily.

“The drop-in centre… we see an average of over 12, sometimes 20-odd persons per day,” he disclosed.

He described the environment as suitable for residents, noting that the facility provides meals and support services.

“If you look at this facility, it is conducive, a good atmosphere. They have everything to their comfort [and get] three meals a day,” the Minister said, while adding that counselling services and structured activities are facilitated at the centre.

“There are times we bring in counselling service into the facility to talk to them, and there are extra activities that are undertaken by the municipality and the Poor Relief Department,” he noted.

The Trelawny Drop-In Centre is located near the first night shelter constructed outside of the Corporate Area and forms part of the network of facilities administered under the Ministry’s Poor Relief Department.