The Mental Health Foundation organized an informative session with key health professionals and stake holders in and out of the mental health field on Monday December 6th 2010.
The purpose of this session was to introduce current developments in Mental Health, current developments in Psychopharmacology and the use of medication protocols.
The main speakers for the evening were Dr. Erik Hoencamp and Dr Judith Haffmans who are being hosted by the MHF from November 28th to December 11th in an effort to establish a corporation agreement which would link MHF with Parnassia Bavo Groep in the Netherlands.
"The idea is to keep mental health treatment as simple and efficient as possible within the context of Sint Maarten by collaborating to enhance patient care and financial feasibility" says Dr. Hoencamp.
Dr. Erik Hoencamp is a Professor in Clinical Psychiatry in Leiden Netherlands and also serves as Director of 'New Business' within the Parnassia Bavo Groep. He received his PHD on the basis of his thesis entitled 'Depressed Outpatients, Efficacy and Predictability of Response of Three-phase-treatment strategy'.
Dr. Judith Haffmans is a Clinical Pharmacologist and chronobiologist. She is also a professor at the University of Leiden, a member of the Medical Ethics Review Committee and has published many research articles.
Since their arrival, they have been conducting psycho-education sessions with the clients of the MHF. In addition to that, interactive sessions were held with the MHF Staff on Ambulant Care, Crisis Intervention, Admissions Procedures, e-Therapy and e-Health. They have also given recommendations for safety Measures and Protocols for the MHF's new building.
The new system called e-therapy and e-health, which will be made available by Parnassia Bavo Groep, is an innovative way that MHF can provide optimal care to patients from their home. "This introduces a whole new concept of care by providing basic guided support for specific treatments" says Dr Hoencamp" This would allow clients to receive treatment and encouragements via the web"
This subject also was part of the presentation on Monday at Divi little Bay, where the doctors stressed on the importance of close cooperation between key stakeholders on Sint Maarten.
Organizing mental health care within the context of transition and financial restraint is a challenge with many opportunities to create a simple efficient health care system that suits the needs of Sint Maarten.
"The impression of MHF is positive" says Dr. Hoencamp "It is important now to find a new structure that would benefit Sint Maarten"
The Mental Health Foundation would like to thank the speakers, Dr. Erik Hoencamp and Dr. Judith Haffmans, the participants of the event for their feedback and Divi little Bay for their contributions.
