SIBU: The Board of Visitors to the Sibu Hospital Psychiatric Ward has proposed that a nursing home be built for patients with mental illness.
According to its chairman Kapitan Peter Lau Ik Yang, not all patients with mental illness require 24-hour monitoring from nurses and doctors.
“Sometimes they only need minimal monitoring; they don’t necessarily need to stay in the hospital for medical treatment.
“By having a nursing home, they can learn skills such as crafting and more. They can at least learn to be independent,” he said in his speech during the Majlis Menyambut Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024 event, organised by the visitors’ board here today (April 19).
He hoped that the government will consider the initiative, suggesting that working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) might be a good alternative to realise the dream of having a nursing home for patients with mental illness.
Meanwhile, on the programme, he said it will bring joy not only to the patients but also to the hospital staff who work hard in taking care of those in need.
“This is a small gesture from us to bring love and care to them,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee and Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu.
