Mental health cases on the rise

st giles hospital

6074 people visited St Giles Hospital last year.

This was confirmed by hospital medical superintendent Dr Peni Biukoto.

“As of 12 June 2013, there are a total of 60 persons admitted for hospital care and treatment at St Giles Hospital,” Dr Biukoto said.

“In the year 2012, from January to December, there were 6074 visits to outpatient clinic and 490 admissions at St Giles Hospital.”

He said people suffering from a psychiatric disorder or mental illness received treatment at the institution.

“Psychiatric disorders include sleep disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and somatoform disorders.

“Persons with substance use disorders also receive counselling at the hospital.”

He reiterated that under the Mental Health Decree, family members could get help from authorities when taking care of multi-disabled family members with a mental illness.

He said the Mental Health Decree allowed for police assistance and ambulance assistance for transport of a family member to the nearest health facility or medical practitioner for assessment.

– FIJI TIMES

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