Institute of Mental Health opens new wards to treat mood disorders, early psychosis

A nurse helping an elderly patient at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) opened two new wards - the Mood Disorders Unit (MDU) Inpatient Service and the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) Inpatient Centre on Tuesday (June 14).

The MDU ward contains 40 beds and provides assessment and customised treatment for patients with complex or severe mood disorders, such as bipolar disorders.

The 20-bedded EPIP ward tends to patients with early psychosis, a mental disorder with symptoms including hallucinations.

The Health Ministry's Permanent Secretary Chan Heng Kee opened the specialty inpatient wards which underwent reconceptualisation and redesign from two existing wards which were built in 1993.

Both the wards adopt open space concepts to aid in the management and recovery of the patients.

Each ward has designated rooms for therapy activities, as well as a garden view to provide a therapeutic environment.

Associate Professor Chua Hong Choon, CEO of IMH, said that the opening of the specialised wards complements IMH's vision to be a "tertiary centre of excellence and global leader in mental healthcare".

"With these new facilities, we will be better able to deliver integrated and holistic healthcare to patients in more therapeutic environments," he said.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.