Psychiatric Ward at Vaiola Hospital received Christmas donations Featured
Psychiatric Ward Patients at Vaiola Hospital
Nuku'alofa, 14 January 2015. The Psychiatric Ward at Vaiola Hospital received contributions and donations from the public during the Christmas season. This included food, toiletries and other gifts that were distributed to patients.
Visitors to the ward included the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Youths of Havelu, Vaiola Hospital Board, Fofo’anga Kava Club, Fua’amotu Family, ‘Ofa Tu’unga’a, Christ Embassy Tonga, Tupou Mapakaitolo, Maria and Funaki and Latai (Fua’amotu), FWC Tu’atakilangi, Sione Palu Tupou Jr, FWC Vaololoa, FWC Kolomotu’a, FWC Fasi, FWC Hala’ovave, Lala, ‘Elisapeta Mata’u (Veitongo Town Officer), Luna ‘Eva and Malapo Quarry, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Peni Lalahi and church (Tofoa).
This added to the routine visits from the Church of Tonga Hou’eiki’s Ministers every Sunday, the Sia’atoutai Theological College group on the last week of every month and the members of the Fofo’anga Club on the last Thursdays of every month.
Psychiatric Assistant ‘Ilaisaane Samiu revealed that some of these donations were the needs of the patients, where the donors contacted the ward first to confirm what they could bring. There are 42 inpatients admitted at the ward at the moment. Outreach Program and Home Visits
Meanwhile, the out-patients visit regularly on Tuesdays to receive their medication. “If they don’t show up, we will take a home visit to ensure that our patients have their pills and to update on their standards,” ‘Ilaisaane said.
This was emphasized after the continuous rise in suicide cases in Tonga. That also gives ward staff the chance to talk with the families on the patients’ progress and how to approach them.
“We looked for our patient and explained to the families the behavioral characteristics of those suffering from mental illnesses so that they are well aware of what the victim is facing. A person who suffers from mental disorder needs to know their importance, especially those who are more violent,” Ilaisaane said.
Inpatients at the ward include those who are sent there by the courts here in Tonga. There is also a psychiatric division at the Hu’atolitoli Prison for those that are more violent and they are visited by the psychiatrist and staff.
The Psychiatric Ward provides radio and TV outreach programs for the public, raising on awareness on the effects of mental disorders.
MEIDECC
