Last month, a decade of providing mental health services was celebrated at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
Since it opened in 2014, the department has evolved into a pillar of support for those requiring mental health services in St. Thomas and across Elgin county.
Karen Davies, hospital President and CEO notes, “As we look back on the journey we’ve traveled over the past 10 years, I am filled with pride and admiration for the resilience and determination that defines the mental health program at STEGH.
myFM spoke with Dr. Giuseppe Guaiana , Chief of Psychiatry, about the challenges faced over the past 10 years.
He talks about creation of the specialized Memory Clinic in the unit.
The mental health care unit is housed in the North Tower at the hospital and features a recreational therapy room, communal dining area and large outdoor courtyard.
In the 10 years of providing mental health care at STEGH, numerous milestones have been achieved.
That includes expanding the team in the Mental Health Department to meet the increasing needs of the community.
Dr. Guaiana advises that one of the busier areas the team deals with is in the treatment of depression.
The team is comprised of 30 to 40 members in a variety of specialized areas.
We asked Dr. Guaiana what attracted him to psychiatry?
And what does he envision transpiring in the next 10 years?
He admits, “While we are not flawless, our strength lies in our ability to adapt and evolve.
“Despite facing hurdles such as drug dependency, an increasing prevalence of toxic drugs and COVID-19, our dedication to our patients and our mission of bettering lives has remained resulute.”
Later this spring, area residents will be able to access more mental health support and information on the hospital’s website.
