Sometimes, governments get it right. A cynical view perhaps, but when the electorate seemingly continues to get the short end of the stick – or worse yet, get poked in the eye with that stick – it’s hard not to be a cynic. Or angry. Years of broken promises, corruption, endless self-serving photo ops – I could go on - tend to do that.
But as I stated, sometimes the right things are done. Specifically, the construction of the new state-of-the-art long-term care facility in the east end of St. John’s. It recently opened to replace the aging and overcrowded Hoyles-Escasoni complex. Somewhere along the way, someone got this right. And it was likely championed by a nameless mid-level public servant who recognized the need and put this on someone’s agenda. It was long overdue. At this point, just which government decided to build the facility, Tory or Grit, is inconsequential. I don't know and I don't care. But taking credit in an era of self-praising press releases is the new norm. However, moral responsibility should trump political opportunism.
There is no question that
our population is aging and the number of people requiring long term care is
increasing. Governments have to be prepared for this. My suggestion would be to
level the old Hoyles-Escasoni complex and build another facility like the one
just opened. We’re going to need it.
And just as the
population of senior citizens is increasing, so too, is the need to help those suffering
from mental illness. Great strides have been made to make services available
but the waitlist for those seeking help is far too long. As the brother of a
long time Hoyles home resident – “resident” - Jesus, when you say it like that it
sounds as if he lived in a high end retirement villa. But it wasn’t of course;
far from it. He suffered brain damage as the result of a suicide attempt over
20 years ago and requires constant care. The residents on his floor have
conditions of varying severity and - for a lot of reasons - it’s a tough place
to visit. I can’t imagine the dementia ward.
But no long-term care
facility, no hospital, no hospice has a suicide ward. There are no prosthetics
to help those suffering from mental illness. Recent high profile accounts of
deaths by suicide has brought the need for improved mental health treatment to
the forefront. It’s our job to keep it there. The courage of those affected to
step forward and speak openly about the loss of a loved one by suicide should
be embraced. I don’t think this discussion would have occurred 10 or 15 years
ago. At least not publically.
Mental illness is no
longer a taboo topic left for gossip bags to whisper about in some corner. “The
Launch”, a concert held recently to raise awareness of mental health issues,
and news of a 24 hour mental health crisis team are positive steps. The momentum to break the stigma and increase
access to mental health treatment has never been greater. Although we have a
ways to go, the ball is firmly rolling in the right direction. Governments can
build on this and again, has a chance to get it right. 
