Messages from this hospital

Information about this hopital

Description

The SOSAME Psychiatric Centre (SOSAME = Soins de Santé Mentale = Mental Health Care) was formed in September 1994. The partner for this activity is based at Heri Kwetu in Bukavu in the province of Zuid-Kivu.
As in our other psychiatric centres, we also work here with the Brothers of Charity -  Caraes. In view of the great success of our operation in Ndera and, since 2004, also  in Burundi, MWV has decided to agree to the request from Caraes to provide some support. The trauma of the patients is being badly affected by extreme poverty and the war which is ravaging the country. The partner refers to a high level of depressions and mood disruptions which are caused by the situation in the country which has looked hopeless for years. Moreover, the disturbing phenomenon of undernourishment has been established which (even after a special diet) increases the chances of psychological disorders.
The partner has established that gradually more patients are arriving from areas further away. Many of these patients are suffering from Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD) or other complaints caused indirectly by traumas which have been suffered.
In 2004,there were 10,602 consultations and the occupancy level was around 75% or even 90% for the 6 beds for the care of chronic complaints. All together, 35 members of staff work here, including a generalist with additional psychiatric training.
The centre consists of different pavilions and new facilities are being built all the time. For example, there is a new laboratory under construction and this has to be completed by mid March.
It has 60 beds and a new building for consultations for outpatients. About 40 to 50 consultations take place every day. 
Day treatment is also provided by means of ergotherapeutic activity.
The centre has seen and treated almost 7,000 patients since it was founded in 1994.

 

Results of the missions.

They have been asking (and still are asking) for help with training in ergotherapy, neurology, and the use of the new EEG apparatus. MWV will endeavour to harmonise the psychiatric and neurological missions in the region (Rwanda-Burundi-Kongo) better to each other so that the maximum number of people can benefit.

Missions in this hospital

Active missions in Centre Neuropsychiatrique Sosame, Bukavu

Past missions inCentre Neuropsychiatrique Sosame, Bukavu