Sarawak could lead the way in creating psychiatric nursing home for homeless

KUCHING: Sarawak can take the lead and be the pioneer state in establishing a psychiatric nursing home for homeless individuals with psychiatric illnesses.
 
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is to create a sense of being in the community and give empowerment as well as autonomy to a person.
 
“The psychiatric nursing home is to cater for homeless individuals with no traceable family members, with psychiatric illnesses, but who are stable, independent, and employed.
 
“It is also to cater for homeless individuals with no traceable family members who are stable and independent but unable to hold employment,” he said.
 
He said this when officiating at the 6th Sarawak Mental Health Conference 2023, themed ‘Diversifying Mental Health Specialties in Borneo’, at the Imperial Hotel here today (Aug 5).
 
Abang Johari further said the psychiatric services cannot stand alone, and most cases are associated with social issues and are multifactorial.
 
“To create a successful story, we need collaboration with other agencies, namely Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, and Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development as far as Sarawak is concerned,” he said.
 
Earlier, Sentosa Hospital director and organising chairperson of the conference Dr Rosliwati Md Yusoff said the hospital is the only mental institution in Sarawak that caters for psychiatric services, namely inpatients, outpatients, rehabilitation, community psychiatry, and uniquely, forensic psychiatry.
 
“As of today, we have 34 psychiatrists and six subspecialties in Sarawak. Five subspecialties offer their services at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and visit Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu.
 
“We do hope more young psychiatrists venture into subspecialties and reside in Sarawak,” she said, while adding there is one forensic psychiatrist in Sentosa Hospital.
 
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and SGH Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health head and state psychiatrist Dr Siti Nor Aizah Ahmad were among those present.