The Richmond Foundation has criticised a decision to transfer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for persons with mental problems from Mater Dei to Mt Carmel Hospital.

"Whether we like it or not, Mt Carmel is still feared by many and these persons are likely to refuse or discontinue this essential treatment to avoid going to Mt Carmel Hospital. This treatment proves to be very effective in treating depression and it is particularly resorted to when other psychiatric treatment is ineffective," the foundation said.

It said the decision reversed recent strategic decisions where psychiatric services had been mainstreamed and started being provided through health centres and other community outlets.

"The provision of ECT should have followed suit; this would have been consonant with the aim of moving towards enhanced and comprehensive community-based mental health services. Shifting services, which are ideally provided in the community, back to hospitals or institutions simply reverses the time-machine. This decision even goes against the spirit of the New Mental Health Act which stipulates that treatment at hospitals should be the last resort," the foundation added.

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