Minister cannot reveal when mental health facility will open: Cayman News Agency

(CNS): Health Minister Sabrina Turner could not say when the new inpatient mental health centre will open in response to a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday because the decision lies with the Department of Public Works and building inspectors. The facility, to be named Poinciana, is already well behind schedule as the completion date has been repeatedly pushed back. It was supposed to open to patients last summer, but since work began in 2019, the project has been plagued by what the minister said were numerous problems.

In response to a question from Opposition MP Barbara Connolly (GTS) about plans to repatriate patients currently being treated in overseas facilities to the Cayman Islands, Turner acknowledged she could not give a specific date. She told MPs and the audience that three of the buildings had been issued special permit certificates of occupancy, which was “a step in the right direction,” but that the opening dates were beyond her and her department’s control because of the inspection process.

Still, the minister tried to remain optimistic, saying that obtaining the special certificate “brings us one step closer to opening the doors.”

Turner said the certificates cover the restaurant, administration building and events center, meaning 22 current staff members can now begin working at the East End facility, including preparing to receive patients. Until now, these employees, who are receiving full salaries, have been doing tasks such as policy development and procurement, but they can now continue to work at the physical location.

She said the management team will begin preparations for the facility to receive residents. The second phase will be the actual repatriation of residents, with staff accompanying most patients back to Cayman to ensure a safe transition.

The minister noted that the current government inherited the project and its “numerous problems” that led to the failure to obtain the necessary occupancy permits years after work began. While the pandemic is believed to be responsible for some of the delays, the real problems were related to the electrical work, which led to serious safety concerns.

The much-needed facility, designed to provide long-term care for people with severe mental health issues, will be housed in nine cottages next to three buildings that have now been specially approved. It was initially expected to cost about CI$15 million, but the cost has risen to nearly CI$22 million.

Connolly expressed frustration that the minister could not reveal when Poinciana would open, insisting she must know the timeline. “We have waited too long for this facility to open,” she said, noting that almost all of the councillors’ constituents are residents who need to know when it will open, and she called for a sense of urgency.

But Turner said she could not provide a timeline because it depends on the PWD’s decision and those issues must be resolved before patients can be safely admitted.