🏥 Uncertainty surrounds opening date for new mental health facility

Health Minister Sabrina Turner was unable to provide a concrete opening date for the new Poinciana residential mental health centre during a recent parliamentary session. The facility's opening has been delayed multiple times due to a series of issues since construction began in 2019. The facility was initially scheduled to open in the summer of 2020. The decision to open the facility lies with the Public Works Department and building inspectors, not the Health Ministry. Despite the uncertainty, Turner remained optimistic, noting that three of the facility's buildings had received certificates of special permission occupancy, a positive step forward. 🏗️

The certificates cover the cafeteria, administration building, and activity centre, allowing the 22 current employees to begin working at the East End facility. These employees, who have been working on policy development and procurement, can now start preparing the site to receive patients. The facility's management team will also begin preparations for the facility to accept residents. The second phase of the project will involve repatriating patients currently in overseas institutions. Turner acknowledged the numerous problems that have plagued the project, including significant safety concerns related to the electrical work. The facility, designed to provide long-term care for individuals with severe mental health challenges, has seen costs escalate from an estimated CI$15 million to nearly $22 million. 🏥

Opposition member Barbara Conolly expressed frustration at the lack of a clear timeline for the facility's opening, emphasizing the urgent need for the facility. Conolly noted that many MPs have constituents who will be residents at the facility and stressed the importance of knowing when it will open. Despite the pressure, Turner reiterated that she could not provide a timeline as the decision was in the hands of the Public Works Department and that all issues must be resolved before patients can be safely admitted. 🕰️