The Mental Health Foundation is once again hosting Dr. Hoencamp and Dr. Haffmans from February 26th to March 11th 2011, in an effort to finalize the cooperative agreement between MHF and Parnassia Bavo Groep, and to assist with MHF's important moving preparations.
Dr. Hoencamp, a psychiatrist and professor, along with Dr. Haffmans, a pharmacologist and chrono-biologist, were on St. Maarten last year from November 28th to December 11th to establish the agreement and to hold various sessions with MHF staff members, MHF board members and stakeholders.
This time, the purpose of their trip is to follow up on last year's visit pertaining to building reconstruction, quality psychiatric processes and services as well as policy and structure development.
Since their arrival, Dr. Hoencamp and Dr. Haffmans have both been holding various sessions with MHF's staff, board and stakeholders concerning: Crisis analysis and intervention, Psycho-education, Patient care, Psycho-farmaca, Vocational Rehabilitation and medical-legal set up.
On Tuesday March 1st Dr. Hoencamp, Dr. Haffmans along with Dr. Gandotra, MHF's new stationary psychiatrist, met with a group of 17 parents at MHF's 'Parent's Meeting' where they tackled issues on support, trust and expectations. Parents were allowed to voice their concerns on stigma and care.
In addition to that, On Tuesday March 8, at the Belvedere Community Center, MHF organized a session with regards to: "Zooming in on changes that may follow due to St. Maarten's new country status and its consequences for the patients in relation to involuntary admissions and involuntary treatment".
All stake holders were invited including the Public prosecutor, Justice Department, Police, Prison, Social Welfare, Ministry of Health, White Yellow Cross, Medical Center, Medical doctors and others to participate in an effort create a uniform agreement with regards to Crisis intervention.
During this session, Prof. Hoencamp discussed the existing legislation and the possibilities within the law to provide continued involuntary treatment to Patients in need.
Those present participated actively in suggesting support for the safety of the patients and their environment.
