Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital

The Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital is the sole mental health care facility in Antigua & Barbuda. The institution has the capacity to serve 130 patients and has a 3:1 male to female ratio. Some of the common types of disorders which are treated at the facility are: Schizophrenia (most common type), Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, Depression, Suicidal Watch , Substance Abuse (Psychosis), Attention Deficit Disorder.

Mission

The nurses of the Mental Hospital are committed to the future development of the hospital’s mental health services, through raising awareness, initiating research, and promoting therapeutic strategies (including an active rehabilitation programme). We aim to provide a sensible Mental health service that reflects individual needs.

In striving for excellence, the staff is provided with an environment conducive for teaching all health care providers, students, patients and their relatives. By applying evaluation techniques and research findings in nursing care, we aim to constantly improve the quality of care delivered to each patient.

Vision

The Mental Hospital envisions itself as a dynamic environment, safe and adequately equipped organisation with trained and highly motivated staff, dedicated to promoting, teaching, research, and delivery of highest quality health care to meet the needs of patients and their families.

Department History

A decision was taken by an English legislature in the mid 1800’s to erect a structure to house persons of unsound mind in Antigua & Barbuda. Afterwhich, financial funding was allocated for the construction in 1838.

Three years later (in 1841), an asylum was established on Rat Island for persons who showed symptoms of an unsound mind. During this time only 80 inmates could be accommodated.

The best medical attendance was procured for these patients. Almost 90 years later in the year 1929, the Mental Hospital was constructed at Skerritt’s Pasture. This new location was essentially built to accommodate more patients as the previous location had become too small.

The hospital and treatment are guided by the Mental Health Act of 1957.

The hospital was renamed Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital in 2011.Currently there are six wards including a Maximum Security Ward which houses the most acute patients.

Strengths

A cadre of trained professionals at the helm of management
Patients receive a well-balanced diet which is planned through coordination with the Chief Nutrition Office
Patient care and nutritional therapy work in tandem
Evidence based medication management
Mental Health professionals particularly the physicians are knowledgeable of prevention issues