MUST READ: Mediclinic offers mental wellness at Kintsugi centre

Construction on the facility began in July 2016 and the centre has held to its promise of accommodating a total of 30 patients in a therapeutic environment.

October 26, 2017

Tersia Gopi 1 minute read

In an effort to break the silence on mental illness and create awareness, Mediclinic Newcastle officially opened its voluntary admission psychiatric facility on Friday, October 20.

The facility was formally named the Kintsugi Centre, with the Japanese-themed name derived from an art form which entails repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.

Construction on the facility began in July 2016 and the centre has held to its promise of accommodating a total of 30 patients in a therapeutic environment.

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Marking a day in history for psychiatric treatment in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the facility will enable patients to be treated locally, rather than having to be admitted away from home.

This is particularly important, during October – mental health awareness month.

Fully-equipped with a gym facility, a communal lounge area, a recreation area and multiple therapy rooms, the Kintsugi Centre has been dubbed a one-stop wellness centre.

Each room is fitted with an en-suite bathroom as well as closet space.

“We are trying to break the stigma attached to mental illness. If you are not emotionally well, the effects can compromise your medical health as well,” explained Doctor Relationship Manager, Mariette Classen.