State of National Psychiatric Hospital disgraceful – Minister Norton

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Some of the items being destroyed in the stores
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, interacting with a staff of the National Psychiatric Hospital
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, interacting with a staff of the National Psychiatric Hospital

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The condition of the National Psychiatric Hospital, in New Amsterdam, Region Six, has been described as ‘disgraceful’ by Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, following his recent visit.

The Minister met and interacted with staff members who expressed concerns regarding water supply, which they have not been receiving for the past two months, as well as electricity, telephone service and lack of furniture.

“It is pitiful to see the conditions where we have our Guyanese brothers and sisters dwelling… the wards are being cleaned with water from the drain and persons are bathing with and even drinking. This has been going on for two months, this is totally unacceptable,” the Minister said.

During a tour of the institution, it was observed that there currently are four to five store rooms packed with items stored in an improper manner and are therefore being destroyed. These very things are lacking in the hospital.

Some of the items being destroyed in the stores
Some of the items being destroyed in the stores

“One would question why are we wasting things like moisturisers, tissues, bed spreads and chairs, so many things that the hospital needs. What was also surprising is that there are a number of vehicle tyres and jacks that the administration claimed were bought for the Ministry of Health’s vehicles,” Minister Norton said.

He noted that he was informed that most of the vehicles are down and someone has to answer “why that quantity and what are they doing in the store room of the hospital.”

Likewise, some electrical instruments are in the in the kitchen stores. It was also mentioned that the patients had no milk recently, but there is a large quantity of the item in the stores.

“…There again I say the best system will fail if we do not have the personnel… and I as the Minister of Health will put the right person in place,” Minister Norton stressed.

Inside the mental facility.
Inside the mental facility.

The issue of communication does not only exist in Berbice, but all across the regions. He said that “Probably we as ministers, we took things for granted, so when an institution we are responsible for do not have something like a landline available, we think it is nothing.”

The newly constructed Acute Centre, located in the hospital’s compound will be investigated, according to Dr. Norton. The entire structure is improper; the building is dark and definitely cannot function without electricity.

There is also a canteen which was built without tender and persons who are brought from the prison, being let loose in the hospital, with no police guard.

The Minister promised that these systems will change. He said that the Ministry will re-establish the Mental Health Unit, with an aim of ensuring all Guyanese have access to psychiatric care and evaluation. That unit will include clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. [Extracted and modified from GINA]

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3 COMMENTS

  1. I find it terrible when people have little or no love for their fellow man, regardless of the position they are face with. Not to mention the distasteful assertions from individuals who see themselves as the exception. I often feel that these sentiments is the direct result of a lack of fear for almighty God, and carelessness in speech.

    As the scripture declare, that every idle word that men may speak will be accounted for in the day of judgement. (Matthew 12: 36. )

    May God change the hearts of each individual that desire these changes.

  2. Why are people making a big thing about the Mentally ill who don’t pay any tax.
    They don’t talk up for the ones who get rob and kill the ones who help pay for the Mental
    hospital.

  3. Why is the PS mr Cadougan still doing there?he is wicked and had to listen to the past Goverment his friend and pal jagdeo,ask him about the big hotel,pool and night spot he has at Onverwagt in Berbice(Tiamo) that maked a lot of noise late hours and the police does nothing,this man must be sent home

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