Don Susano J. Memorial Mental Hospital revamping underway

Construction of new buildings is ongoing in the site of Don Susano J. Rodriguez Memorial Mental Hospital in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur - establishing new facilities for mental healthcare in the Bicol region and beyond.

The former structure was demolished and is being replaced by a facility with a 200-bed capacity in the hopes to serve more mental health patients. New facilities include additional beds, new male and female wards, radiology area, laboratory, dietary, linen & laundry, neuropsychiatric testing room, indoor activity area, diagnostic clinics and an engineering office.

Among the current 248 patients admitted, more than half are estimated to remain in the hospital in their lifetime. “3/4 of our patients are already abandoned,” Assistant Administrator Ma. Theresa Galvan, RN, MN said. The construction hopes to provide better support to the patients by delivering up-to-date and quality treatment methods.

Galvan noted that the hospital caters to the entire Southern Luzon area, including some provinces in the Visayas. With the growing number of cases each year, the development of the hospital can boost mental healthcare in the region, aiming to reach far-flung communities.

CADLAN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – Construction of new buildings on the grounds of Don Susano J. Rodriguez Memorial Mental Hospital is underway. The new male and female wards with a 200-bed capacity, including mental health facilities.

Psychiatric Chief Edessa Parde-Laguidao, MD, DSBPF said that she is hoping for more awareness about what mental illnesses are and is pushing to destigmatize such cases in our communities. With the construction having started last September 2018, Galvan is expecting the first phase of construction to finish September 2019.