Steps to Ensure Safety and Well-being of In-patients at Institute of Mental Health
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the safety and dignity of in-patients at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) following recent court convictions of nurses for offenses against patients. Mr Murali Pillai inquired about protective measures and support for healthcare workers dealing with professional challenges. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung emphasized a zero-tolerance policy, highlighting that IMH utilizes team-based care, clinical protocols, and monthly internal audits to ensure safety. To support staff, the institution provides training in de-escalation techniques, peer support, and individualized psychological assistance for those experiencing work-related stress or burnout. The Ministry continues to work with healthcare institutions to monitor patient well-being and maintain thorough investigations into any reported incidents or unexplained injuries.
Transcript
74 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health with regard to the recent Court convictions of nurses from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for committing offences against mentally ill in-patients at IMH, what steps are being taken to ensure the safety and dignity of these in-patients and, at the same time, provide for sufficient support of IMH psychiatric nurses and health attendants to deal with challenges that they face in caring for mentally ill in-patients.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Patient safety and well-being is a top priority of our public healthcare institutions. We do not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour against patients and will take action where necessary, as with the recent IMH case.
Within IMH, staff are trained to care professionally for mental health patients, and staff work in teams to support one another. Care and clinical protocols are also in place to manage challenging situations. Some patients who are well enough participate to improve ward safety through feedback and suggestions during weekly discussions with IMH’s nursing management. Internal nursing auditors carry out monthly audits of staff knowledge, documentation and the environment to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Any unexplained injuries and reported incidents will be thoroughly investigated.
Working in the mental healthcare setting can be challenging. IMH looks after the mental well-being of its team by ensuring that staff are equipped with knowledge and skills to de-escalate difficult situations and by instituting peer support for daily work with a team-based work structure. Individualised assistance is also offered to staff who require emotional and psychological support after experiencing work-related challenges. Supervisors and staff are reminded to look out for their fellow colleagues who may be stressed or burnt out and extend support to them.
The Ministry will continue to work with our public healthcare institutions to care for the well-being of our patients and healthcare workers.