Who was more impatient to see the new Brown Sequard hospital officially opened, the staff or the patients? Probably both, but what is certain is that the new infrastructure will benefit everyone. As 22% of the population suffer from psychiatric problems - including alcoholism - the opening of such a clean and modern centre was a must. Rs 268 million has been spent on its construction.

New Brown Sequard can now accommodate 250 patients every day in its Outpatient Department, which is open from 9 am to 2 pm, according to hospital ?superintendent?, Dr Vinod Sunassy. This department includes three consulting rooms for psychology, three for psychiatry and two for group therapy. ?The rooms are airy, the environment pleasant. This creates an atmosphere which is conducive to patients? recovery,? he explains.

In fact, this new hospital is reserved for patients who only need to see a doctor or have short-term treatment. These people are considered to have reached a ?serious stage? in their illness. For instance, people who are severely addicted to alcohol may have to stay for about two weeks. According to the same doctor, the main cause of mental illness for men is alcoholism while most women come to the hospital or are brought there by relatives for psychiatric problems. However, it seems this trend is changing. More and more women are brought to the centre because they have become alcoholics.

People affected by more severe problems are still nursed in the old wing of the hospital. The building, which dates from 1879, is reserved for longer stays, as these patients ?prefer to remain in a familiar environment.?

The human side is really important for patients. The female wing ward manager, Magda Picton, is very enthusiastic about the new hospital but she is conscious that the human contribution will be very important for people to feel really comfortable. ?The building is really satisfying. We now have to do our best to make patients feel at ease in it.?

The only problem is the staff shortage. The condition for the smooth running of such a centre is the presence of a lot of staff to care for the patients. The staff will have to deal with the old and new wings of the hospital. Many newly qualified practitioners are expected to work there as they come back from their studies abroad but this will take time? Both doctors and nurses are much needed at the new hospital to make it a real success!