8 years ago, on 22 January 2009, I proposed through
the press (The New Paper) that the government builds more psychiatric homes,
and it has been implemented. Thank you,
The New Paper for your wonderful support.
You can read
my press letter here: http://rayhope8.blogspot.sg/2009/01/letter-to-pressnew-paper-22nd-jan-09-on.html
Last Saturday, a sheltered home for psychiatric
patients – the Anglican Care Centre (SACS)
managed by the Singapore Anglican Community Services was officially opened and
Health Minister Gan Kim Young officiated at the event.
When the Ministry of Health stands alongside the mentally ill, there is a
good chance that slowly persons with mental illness will gain acceptance. It is encouraging that the Government is
listening to feedback. I am indeed very
grateful to the government for building this psychiatric home.
On 1st November 2017, my late wife, Doris who was born on ALL
SAINTS DAY will be celebrating her 65th birthday. She watches over me often, I
can feel her presence in my room at night and even during the day. After her
bath, Doris will put smell talcum powder on her face and body, and that’s the
smell I get when I feel her around me. She brings renewed hope to me, and if
she was alive, Doris will also be so happy that this shelter has been built.
Here’s my take on the newly opened Anglican Care Centre (SACS).
The newly opened Anglican
Care Centre (SACS) managed by the Singapore Anglican Community Services is the
right setting for psychiatric patients to work towards recovery, and it is a
healthy sign that Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, despite his busy schedule, was
there to officiate at the opening (Centre for those recovering from mental
illness; October, 14, 2017, The Straits Times).
Dr Arthur Chern, group
chief executive officer of SACS and St Andrew’s Mission Hospital, was spot on
when he mentioned that with good community-based support, psychiatric patients
can lead a normal life that includes being given regular employment.
Unlike, a physical
illness, the recovery from a mental health condition takes a much longer time
and lots of patience and understanding is required to enable them to stay in
control of their lives.
The road ahead for psychiatric
patients may not always be smooth sailing as there will be bumps along the way.
But as long as they keep to their medical appointments that includes
counselling, take the prescribed medications, exercise regularly and receive
staunch support and encouragement from enlightened employers and colleagues,
along with loving and caring caregivers and the community, there is an
excellent chance of patients heading towards recovery. This will be an
opportune time for them to achieve their goals – thereby securing full
independence that will eventually enable them to gain acceptance in society.
In working towards
building a dynamic inclusive society, let us not define psychiatric patients by
their condition nor see it as a character flaw, but rather to understand that
they are all human beings, who just like you and me, need love, understanding
and kindness.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
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