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The Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, and Wellness today launched the Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre, marking a significant milestone in mental health care services in the Cayman Islands. Hosted on-site at the facility in East End, Grand Cayman, the event was attended by a number of invited guests, with representatives from various Cayman Islands Government ministries and departments, public and private sector providers, non-profit organisations, and other key stakeholders. In her welcoming address, Premier and Minister for Health, Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, acknowledged the years of planning, collaboration, and determination that were required for the facility to open. “The opening of this facility represents a milestone in our collective journey toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and offering those in need a safe, supportive environment for healing and recovery” Premier O’Connor-Connolly stated. “Mental health is just as important as physical health. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to invest in resources and infrastructure that allow every person in our community to receive the care and support they deserve.” Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre represents a state-of-the-art approach to mental health treatment, and is designed to provide compassionate, professional, and comprehensive care to individuals in need. This inpatient facility will support individuals with residual symptoms of mental illnesses and other comorbid illnesses, who need additional stabilisation. One of Poinciana’s main aims is to improve patient’s functionality through rehabilitation activities, to help them reintegrate into the community. The facility will provide holistic care such as counselling, psychiatric care and management, comorbid treatment, vocational, educational and social skills training, in a safe environment. The much-anticipated development and completion of the facility, underscores Government’s commitment to addressing critical mental health needs in the Cayman Islands. Emphasising the need for a collaborative approach to tackling mental health in the Cayman Islands, Honourable Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, and Wellness, said, “It is not enough for us to expect that only this facility will provide a safe space for individuals and families affected by mental health issues. As a community, we must find ways to ensure that all the spaces within which we operate – our homes, churches, workplaces, football fields, and service clubs, are safe environments, proactively working to break the stigma around mental ill health, and promoting mental wellness.” With the facility officially accepting patients from the wider community from January 2025, the repatriation of Cayman residents receiving care abroad will be prioritised as part of the initial phase of admission. Director for Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs. Marcia Mullings-Thompson, said, “We are so proud and pleased about the launch of Poinciana. We believe that this facility represents hope, healing and a brighter future for our community, and we are committed to making it a centre of excellence for mental health rehabilitation. We also understand that there are families with loved ones currently in facilities overseas, who are looking to arrange their transfer to Poinciana. We encourage you to contact our Admissions team via email, or the HSA Behavioural Unit, and they will guide you on how to proceed with the transfer process.” Admission Criteria Based on Poinciana’s residential status and the services that will be provided, the facility will not be able to accommodate all individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Admissions will follow a referral process. On receiving referrals from a General Practitioner or a psychiatrist, the admission committee at Poinciana will ensure the following criteria is met before individuals are admitted:  Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years old.  Voluntary admission or as ordered based on Section 12 of the Mental Health Act.  Must be willing and motivated to participate in the treatment programme offered by the facility. (Ideally, participation should be voluntary).  Individuals should ideally be able to meet their Activities of Daily Living with minimal assistance.  Individuals should not require acute medical care.  Individuals who have had previous psychiatric treatment and are in need of further rehabilitation, maintenance and stabilisation.  Individuals must be willing to continue recommended psychiatric and medical treatment.  Individuals who require structured therapeutic rehabilitative support. A dedicated Clinical Manager will also be available to assist and guide families with unique situations, providing tailored support on the admissions process to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. For more information, contact: Poinciana Admissions Team: Poinciana@gov.ky