Sixteen public and private doctors attended a special training that focused on mental health for general practitioners and primary care physicians.

Led by a team of three from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the two day session aimed to build on locally available services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders

Participants will also attend a second weekend of training in February 2019.

GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – Sixteen public and private doctors attended a special training focused on mental health for primary care physicians on Saturday and Sunday, 1-2 December 2018.

The Ministry of Health organised the workshop, which is part of an international training initiative, the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Led by a team of three from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) it aimed to build on locally available services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

Calling PAHO “an invaluable partner”, Hon Dwayne Seymour, Minister responsible for Health, expresses appreciation for the organisation’s “ongoing engagement with the Cayman Islands in workshops such as this one.”

With work underway such as the preparations for the long term residential mental health facility, Ministry of Health Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn says increasing the non-specialist medical community’s capacity in the area of mental health is another key step in ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

“As we strive to enhance access local to quality, affordable healthcare, we will be focusing on mental as well as physical health. Mental health disorders impact persons regardless of community, age group and income. The mhGAP programme aims to ensure that as many people as possible have access to the care, psychosocial assistance and medication they need to live normal lives,” Ms Ahearn remarks.

Participants included eight private sector and eight public sector doctors. Two psychiatrists from the Health Services Authority (HSA) served as resource personnel. Sessions focused on interventions for prevention and management for a number of priority conditions, in particular: depression, suicide, and psychotic disorders.           

Asked to comment on the importance of the training, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Samuel Williams Rodriguez, says: “Training in mental health for primary care physicians is very relevant here. The incidence of mental health illnesses is increasing around the world, and we are no exception”.

 “Given the limited number of mental health providers, it is essential that primary care physicians are equipped to identify and manage these conditions, as well as refer to mental health practitioners when needed. It was especially encouraging to see private and public physicians working together to improve the health of the people of these beautiful islands”, Dr Rodriguez adds.

Participants will attend a second weekend of training in February 2019 that will cover: child and adolescent mental health, self-harm and suicide, anxiety, dementia.

The Cayman Islands is affiliated with PAHO/WHO through its associate membership of the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. As such the Ministry of Health works closely with the regional Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Office in Jamaica.

Newly appointed Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative for Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi visited the Cayman Islands recently to discuss priorities, programmes and projects, such as mhGAP, with local health officials.

Past local initiatives supported by PAHO/WHO include the National Health Policy and Strategic Plan (NHPP) and the Non-Communicable Disease Action Plan. Work is also ongoing on a Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.

During her visit Dr Gandi, a respected public health researcher and medical doctor, formally presented her credentials to then-Acting Governor Franz Manderson.