Government Committed To Mental Health Infrastructure

Government remains committed to investing in a modern, people-centered mental health system.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, stated this recently, as he addressed the 2025 Employee Rewards and Recognition Ceremony of the Psychiatric Hospital, at Mahogany Ridge, Plum Tree Road, St. James.

Assuring employees of the hospital it was not just about reform, Mr. Ishmael  stressed it would be boldly acted upon because mental health was not a privilege but a right.

He shared a few of the tangible investments made over the past year, listing these as the expansion of Community Mental Health Services; upskilling of Public Health Nurses in Mental Health; sustained access to the National Mental Health Helpline; upgrades to the Out-Patient Department and the renovation of the Observation Ward

Of the expansion of services, Mr. Ishmael pointed out that during the period 2024-2025, the Government continued the strategic expansion of community mental health services, with the addition of multi-disciplinary staff, including community mental health nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

Pointing out that the teams are now more present and better integrated across the network of polyclinics, he said this ensures that all citizens, regardless of income, geography, or background, have access to comprehensive mental health services, close to their home. “We are bringing mental health care to the people, and we are doing so with skill, compassion, and professionalism,” he stressed.

With respect to the Upskilling of Public Health Nurses in Mental Health, the Minister commended the “outstanding efforts of the Community Mental Health Services team”. He remarked: “We have advanced the training of our public health nurses, equipping them with mhGAP competencies, allowing them to better identify, support, and manage individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This is a major step in strengthening early detection and front-line care.”

Pertaining to training, Mr. Ishmael said there is a comprehensive training plan which will impact every member of staff within the hospital over the next three years and it will ensure clinical, operational, and interpersonal skills remain aligned with global best practices. Additionally, it will include continuing education in areas such as mental health emergencies, de-escalation techniques, quality care, patient rights, trauma-informed care, and the integration of physical and mental health services.

He further mentioned that a comprehensive employee care programme was being contemplated, and it would seek to ensure their mental, emotional, and physical health was prioritised and effectively addressed.

Minister Ishmael also disclosed his vision for the hospital. “I have a vision of the Psychiatric Hospital that sits at the centre of mental health service delivery here in Barbados, not only where excellence is demonstrated in our care of those who need our services but where each employee feels appreciated, valued, respected, and honoured to be a part of this entity. I have a vision that this Psychiatric Hospital and its team will be a sterling example, the standard bearers, the gold standard of mental health care in the Caribbean and maybe even the world. Let us work together to make this vision become the reality.”

Author: Joy-Ann Gill

Publish: April 22, 2025