Wellness Clinic opens at Seychelles Hospital |18 April 2016

Any person struggling with problems related to substance abuse, drug addiction, mental issues and want help, advice or someone to talk to now have a place to come to.

A Wellness Clinic, which is a day clinic based in the former SPDF clinic in the green roof wing of the Seychelles Hospital just opposite La Ciotat building, officially opened its doors on Friday morning.

Health Minister Mitcy Larue, in the presence of Dr Daniella Malulu, Consultant in-Charge of Mental Health Services and other health officials, cut the ribbon to open the clinic.

Josette Edmond, senior nursing officer responsible for the clinic which has been operating there for some time, said they receive on average 60 clients a day which requires a lot of energy and commitment.

“Our aim is to help to the best of our ability all those who visit the clinic so that they can become functional and contributing citizens claiming back their place in society,”  Mrs Edmond said, expressing sincere gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure the clinic becomes a reality.

She said the clinic is another step closer to all those who find themselves stuck in a difficult situation which is impairing their ability to live a normal life and achieve their lives’ goals.

Contrary to the Wellness Centre at Les Cannelles where clients are admitted to follow a detox and recovery programme, at the Wellness Clinic which opens daily from 8am to 4pm any person struggling with drug-related problems and addiction can drop in to seek advice, have someone to talk to, be referred to concerned agencies, services to receive the necessary help.

At present there are two nurses working at the clinic. Appointments with doctors and psychologists can also be arranged for clients.

But Mrs Edmond said the aim is to continue upgrading the service to higher standards and have more health professionals join the existing team.

Rodney Vel, a recovered substance abuser, shared his testimony with every one present.

“Recovering from addiction is a long and difficult battle and I am really grateful to the health professionals who are dedicating their time and energy to help us overcome addiction and regain control of our lives,” he said.

“I have struggled with addiction for many years and have even tried to seek help abroad but when I returned I fall back again. But with help from the dedicated team of health professionals, a group of us have made it. I thank all of you for your patience, dedication and commitment in what you do. My advice to all those out there struggling with addiction is that recovery is possible, come forward as there are people ready to help you beat addiction,” Mr Vel said.

Gina Michel, programme manager for mental health and cancer, said the Wellness Clinic was a dream Dr Daniella Malulu and herself have fought hard to realise.

She recalled the time when such services were being provided at the ex-psychiatric ward before moving to a small cubicle under the stairs leading to the Male Medical Ward.

“The facility was too small to accommodate the growing number of clients. An office was then allocated within the premises of the Red Roof building so we could offer services to outpatient mental health and detox clients,” Mrs Michel explained.

She said when they finally moved again to a room in the SPDF clinic, they found that the SPF clinic had moved out completely thus they became the sole occupant of the whole place.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the health ministry for granting them the space and recovering addicts and everyone else who have helped to refurbish it, Mrs Michel said the clinic is “another piece which has been added to the harm reduction puzzle and mental health service”.