Residential Mental Health Facility Now A Reality In Cayman

By Stuart Wilson

The ribbon cutting ceremony and launch of the new Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre in East End on Tuesday, 10th December, marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to a vision for a residential mental health care facility in the Cayman Islands.

Health practitioners, Government officials, dignitaries and members of the public were in attendance at Tuesday’s launch for the new mental health facility, which represents a state-of-the-art approach to mental health treatment, and is designed to provide compassionate, professional, and comprehensive care to individuals in need.

“This in-patient facility will support individuals with residual symptoms of mental illnesses and other comorbid illnesses, who need additional stabilisation,” noted Government officials.

During Tuesday’ ceremony, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism & Ports, and Social Development & Innovation, the honorable Kenneth Bryan spoke on behalf of the Honourable Premier, Juilana O’connor Connolly, who was unable to attend the event. 

“We will soon be able to bring all of our people back home,” he remarked, adding that thanks had to also be given to all who contributed, including former Health Minister, the Honourable Sabrina Turner, who had also played a role in facilitating the Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre.

As the Minister for Social Development, Mr. Bryan will be taking a direct role in the centre’s oversight and operations.

One of Poinciana’s main aims is to improve patient’s functionality through rehabilitation activities, to help them reintegrate into the community. The facility will provide holistic care such as counseling, psychiatric care and management, comorbidity treatment, vocational, educational and social skills training, in a safe environment.

The much-anticipated development and completion of the facility, underscores Government’s commitment to addressing critical mental health needs in the Cayman Islands.

A statement from the Honourable Premier stated:

“The opening of this facility represents a milestone in our collective journey toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and offering those in need a safe, supportive environment for healing and recovery.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health. Therefore, it is

essential that we continue to invest in resources and infrastructure that allow every person in our community to receive the care and support they deserve.”

The Ministry responsible for the new mental health rehabilitation facility is that of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, and Wellness, which is led by the Honourable Dwayne Seymour, who told the audience in attendance, “It is not enough for us to expect that only this facility will provide a safe space for individuals and families affected by mental health issues. As a community, we must find ways to ensure that all the spaces within which we operate – our homes, churches, workplaces, football fields, and service clubs, are safe environments, proactively working to break the stigma around mental ill health, and promoting mental wellness.”

Minister Seymour said part of the delays that plagued the centre’s development could be attributed to the onset of the pandemic in 2020, which brought the project’s construction to a halt and increased the costs of materials and labour.

However, he noted that the steadfast commitment to the rehabilitation by the Government was evidence that, “…these are more than just buildings but also a symbol of the acknowledgment that it is important for patients who are suffering with mental health issues to have access to family, friends and other support.”

The facility will officially begin accepting patients from the wider community from January 2025, with the repatriation of Cayman residents receiving care abroad being a major priority of the initial phase of admission.

Admission Criteria

Based on Poinciana’s residential status and the services that will be provided, the facility will not be able to accommodate all individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

Admissions will follow a referral process.

• Uponn receiving referrals from a General Practitioner or a psychiatrist, the admission committee at Poinciana will ensure the following criteria is met before individuals are admitted:

• Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years old.

• Voluntary admission or as ordered based on Section 12 of the Mental Health Act.

• Must be willing and motivated to participate in the treatment programme offered by the facility.

• (Ideally, participation should be voluntary).

• Individuals should ideally be able to meet their Activities of Daily Living with minimal assistance.

• Individuals should not require acute medical care.

• Individuals who have had previous psychiatric treatment and are in need of further rehabilitation, maintenance and stabilisation.

• Individuals must be willing to continue recommended psychiatric and medical treatment.

• Individuals who require structured therapeutic rehabilitative support.

A dedicated Clinical Manager will also be available to assist and guide families with unique situations, providing tailored support on the admissions process to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and their families.

For more information, contact:

Poinciana Admissions Team: Poinciana@gov.ky

Poinciana Clinical Manager: Ms. Carolette Brown, Carolette.Brown@gov.ky