Public Told To Support Psychiatric Patients

Kuala Belait – Members of the public have moral obligations to care for the well being of psychiatric patients by encouraging and supporting them in order to help ease their suffering.

Dr Haji Affendi, Director of Medical Services, made this remark at the two-day seminar on psychiatric nursing held at the Suri Seri Begawan General Hospital in Kuala Beliat.

He said that caring for the physical needs of a psychiatric patient has to be supplemented with interaction, moral support as well as dealing with the behaviour and social problems faced by both the family and the patient.

Dr Haji Affendi believed there's an urgent need for in-service training for nurses who deal with psychiatric patients in order to provide maximum care and services.

At present, several nurses are taking the relevant course locally.

Some 50 nurses attend the seminar which carries the theme "Towards quality psychiatric nursing". It is conducted by a Malaysian expert.

Consequently, the Director of Medical Services opened a new Psychiatric Centre in the Belait district. The building is located at Jalan Jaya Negara.

The centre has 21 patients who have been transferred from the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital following renovation of the psychiatric wing.

At this new premise, they are engaged in their normal routines such as physical and mental therapy.

They are also involved in recreational and domestic activates to improve their health and well being.

Five patients, who have shown an excellent performance, also received their certificates at this function. Their performance is based on their productivity, interest and contribution.

Most of the patients make use of their talents to produce handicrafts which are put on sale.

During the festive season, they receive many requests for cakes and biscuits.

These people have expressed their hope that when they leave this centre one day, they will find a job to enable them to live independently.

The seminar on psychiatric nursing is in conjunction with the Mental Health Day celebration. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei 

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