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Chinese Government Assists Bahamas with Geriatric Hospital’s Therapeutic Lawn Project at SRC
By Matt Maura, BIS
Oct 21, 2016 - 3:38:03 PM

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His Excellency, Ambassador Huang Qinguo, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Nassau (second right), handed over building materials to assist with the completion of the Geriatric Hospital Therapeutic Lawn Project to senior officials of the Public Hospitals Authority and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Friday, October 21, 2016. Also pictured (from left) are: Ruth T. Albury, Acting Hospital Administrator, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre; Herbert Brown, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority; and Senator, the Hon. Frank Smith, Chairman, Public Hospitals Authority. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Officials of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China donated building materials to assist with the completion of the Geriatric Hospital’s Therapeutic Lawn Project at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre on Friday, October 21, 2016.

The Geriatric Hospital Therapeutic Lawn Project is Phase II of the Centre’s Therapeutic Environment Project Master Plan that was originally proposed by Senior Nursing Officer Sister Adrella Gibson (deceased) in 2012, and later launched as part of the overall treatment module at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

The Project is designed to remove the stigma of mental health; attract family members and persons from the community into the grounds; provide clients with ‘that vacation experience at home’; and provide a healing environment in nature.

His Excellency Huang Qinguo, Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, made the presentation on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Chairman, Senator the Hon. Frank Smith, applauded the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their contribution, adding that the donation will assist in advancing ongoing plans to develop the exterior areas of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for therapeutic purposes that will “greatly enhance SRC’s capacity to provide a therapeutic programme consisting of a cohesive, consistent, therapeutic, environment” as part of the Therapeutic Environment Project Master Plan.

“Your contribution of materials to construct the gazebos for this project will assist in completing Phase II of the Therapeutic Environment Project (which is located at the front lawn of the Cruickshank Ward),” Senator Smith said.

“Transformation of this site will not only enhance the therapeutic milieu and create an attractive landscape feature, but it will also promote stigma eradication,” Senator Smith added.

Healthcare officials say the Therapeutic Environment Master Plan, along with the recent renovations and new construction that have taken place at the facility, resulting in increased spaces and improved facilities, will allow staff to occupy patients’ time more effectively, while providing a more comfortable, exciting and visually stimulating environment.

“In this improved environment, we can enhance key services including the development of the nurse/patient relationship through bonding, interacting and developing trust, as well as therapies and activities to develop fine and gross motor skills and enhance physical strength. Ultimately, we will improve quality of life by ensuring the patient reaches his or her maximum potential despite disabilities.”

The Therapeutic Environment Project was launched as a result of the work of Sister Gibson, a specialist in the field of Psychiatric Nursing employed at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre who recognized that while appropriate emphasis was being placed on the interior clinical areas which are “vitally important” to the physical care of clients, there were opportunities to develop the exterior areas for therapeutic purposes, while complementing the interior refurbishments.

“Sister Gibson was passionate about the fact that the exterior components of Clinical Care were being overlooked. She realized that without these vital, yet simple components, the essence of rehabilitation would not be appreciated and the differentiation in specialty not respected,” Senator Smith said.

“Sister Gibson took the bull by the horns and performed a critical survey of the vacant grounds and at the Centre. This directly led to the launch of the Therapeutic Environment Project, which suggested that all vacant areas of the Sandilands Campus be transformed to create an aesthetic and therapeutic paradise for socialization, relaxation and healing in nature.

“It is sincerely hoped that this masterpiece will attract family members to spend even more time with their loved ones at the Centre and shift the perception of the entire Bahamian community. Thank you for appreciating this vision that is essential to completing the basic needs care pyramid for the elderly clients in our facility,” Senator Smith added.

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