(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The St. Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre via the Dental Unit in the Ministry of Health and Wellness has augmented the list of services provided to its clients.
For the first time clients of the Wellness Centre will be provided with dental services from the newly opened in-house dental clinic.
There is a close connection between the health of the body and that of the mind. Evidence further suggests that those who experience mental illness also suffer with poor oral health. This was the thrust behind the establishment of a dental clinic for clients of the St. Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre. The Executive Director, Jennifer Forester said the dental service is a welcomed addition to the clinical services offered at the institution.
“We are constantly seeking to improve the care that we offer to our clients and the dental service is welcomed and it will add to our comprehensive list of services that are currently offered to the clients of the centre.”
As with the other services offered at the Wellness Centre, dental services will also be offered free of charge to clients. Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Naomi Jn Baptiste believes it is extremely important to care for the entire person while addressing their mental health issues.
“Somebody who has mental health problems it’s not just mental health, it’s the person. So they have physical, they have mental and they also have other needs including dental needs, so we think it is very, very important that we have this service.”
The dental clinic will be manned by highly trained staff and will offer a range of services to clients including, cleanings, extractions and fillings. Senior Dental Surgeon with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Sherry Ephraim Le Compté, said the opening of this clinic represents a significant among of work and planning.
“I am elated especially for those patients. Normally you find that these patients are dejected, they have lower self esteem, these patients are not really looked at as you and I in society and to give them that added service is just a milestone for us in the Ministry of Health.”
Cyrillia, a visitor to the Wellness Centre was present during the launch of the dental service and expressed her view on the initiative.
“Oh I am very, very excited about it. Believe you me, I know dental is very expensive in St. Lucia and it’s a blast knowing that there is a dental service offered here so patients and those who are not able to afford can come here and have their dental done.”
The dental clinic will serve the inpatients of the Wellness Centre and would later extend the services to its outpatients.
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