EHS opens specialised treatment unit for inpatient mental health

The opening of the new unit comes in line with the UAE government vision aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens and providing them with a decent and safe life, in order to bolster their integration into social life and enhance their capabilities despite all psychological challenges.

The new treatment unit will serve senior citizens suffering from severe psychological disorders and need hospitalization for evaluation and treatment.  It will be managed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary team that includes an elite group of psychological and social specialists, which will be supported by the cooperation between the Emirates Health Services and Maudsley Health, one of the oldest and most important psychological treatment institutions in the world.

Exceptional healthcare
“The EHS is very keen to provide exceptional health care to senior citizens in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership, to improve their quality of life, enhance the public awareness of their health and psychological needs, launch initiatives and projects that focus on promoting their mental health within national health planning and policies,” said Dr. Youssef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director General of the Emirates Health Services.

Al Serkal stressed that senior citizens are now being provided with easy access to distinguished services available at Al Amal Hospital, which has international accreditation, the first of its kind in the region, he emphasized the importance of strengthening local and global partnerships with international centers of expertise in the field of mental health for the elderly.

“We want to develop and train medical and technical cadres, support and promote scientific research in the field of mental health, upgrade information systems and update the statistical database on mental health in line with the National Mental Health Policy. We will spare no effort to promote, strengthen and expand the scope of comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health services that are responsive to the needs and directed to the community of all categories and ages,” Al Serkal said. 

Psychological behavioral support
For her part, Dr. Noor Al Muhairi, Director of the EHS Department of Mental Health, said that introducing a new therapeutic unit for senior citizens will not only improve the mental health services provided, but will also help deal with physiological and psychological changes in the aging stage, by evaluating patient’s behavior and awareness, remedial procedures, effective care methods, behavioral and psychological support. 

“Recognizing the fact that this segment needs special care, we are keen to develop field research to formulate innovative policies, anticipate challenges to handle them effectively,” Al Muhairi added. 

Effective Approach 
Dr. Amna Turki Al Ali, Director of Al Amal Hospital, stated that the inpatient unit for treating mental health issues among senior citizens will certainly enhance the efficiency of mental health services meant for this esteemed group, using an effective approach that follows the best scientific evidence available, with optimum use of resources and continuous training of mental health service providers.

Turki highlighted that the most prevalent disorders among the elderly include depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s, which results from weak cognitive abilities. “We are working to make the most of appropriate behavioral and pharmacological treatments to provide a supportive environment that makes the elderly feel confident, reassured and safe” she added.