Minister of Works, Lennox Weston has confirmed that Metal toilets for Clarevue Psychiatric hospital are currently being sourced by the Public Works Department.
In a recent interview, the Minister addressed recent claims from hospital staff that there was a fly infestation and terrible smell from the Pit Latrines.
“It is just for us to bring in the institutionally-appropriate metal toilets. We will continue to use the traditional toilet until they arrive. They are expensive, they tell me, but that is required for those institutions,” he stated.
Meanwhile, practicing psychotherapist Dr Oswald Thomas has recommended a board be set up to address prolonged issues of poor working conditions at the psychiatric hospital.
“Maybe it is time that a board controls Clarevue Hospital. It is obvious that the authorities that are at Clarevue had no input on these toilets and, if they do, then they lack what it needs in terms of a mental institution,” Dr Thomas said.
A recent letter from staff at the hospital claimed that there were countless unaddressed issues in the hospital, mostly hygienic. Staff lamented about lack of water, damaged infrastructure and more.
Thomas has also suggested the mental hospital be moved to another location, such as the compound of the former Holberton Hospital, to adequately meet the needs of both patients and staff.
