St. Catherine councillors want guidelines on how to get help for the mentally ill

 

Councillors in the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation are concerned about an absence of clear guidelines for people who need assistance with mentally ill relatives.

 

They say the police and health care workers should be equipped with information to guide people seeking such assistance.

 

Anthony Wint, who represents the Braeton division, questioned whether there is a policy on the institutionalisation of people with mental illnesses. 

 

"I'm just wondering if there is any provisions (sic) to assist in getting our mental health patients off the road and is there any clear policy as to how you get these persons into the Bellevue Hospital?" he asked. 

 

"I'm not aware of any enhanced policies, but I can make checks for you. And as it relates to institutionalising mentally challenged persons, I can say that the shift is now towards having them get treated and the family assist with that. However, I can relay your question to our head of mental health and provide you with some feedback," responded Denece Douglas, Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Catherine. 

 

Ralston Wilson, councillor for the Ginger Ridge division, complained that political representatives are harshly criticised for seemingly turning a blind eye to mentally ill constituents. 

 

"I want to know if there's an easier way, so that councillors and other responsible persons [who] see what is happening with these mad people, can help to get them off the street," he querried, noting that often when councillors try to help, they "run into a brick wall".