The rise in drug-related admissions at Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital has significantly affected its capacity to serve the community effectively.
Selina Kuruleca, chairwoman of the St Giles Hospital Board of Visitors, stated that this situation is putting a strain on the hospital’s core service, which is dedicated to psychiatric treatment.
She explained that the hospital is increasingly being filled with young drug users who in turn influence other patients.
“We have patients who need psychiatric care, and then there are the drug users. This combination exacerbates the illnesses,” she said.
Kuruleca noted that the Counter Narcotics Strategy framework would enable the government and relevant stakeholders to tackle these issues effectively.
“It’s a considerable amount of work. It also serves as a good coordinating framework because it clearly outlines the responsibilities of each pillar, allowing them to collaborate with other partners,” she added.