By Fernelle Neptune, Ministry of Health

Male employees of the Respiratory Hospital were recently granted the opportunity to discuss and address daily issues in their personal and work lives following a men’s retreat held at the Auberge Seraphine Hotel.

Executive Director of the Respiratory Hospital Nancy Francis says it is hoped that the retreat will make the individuals feel more confident in overcoming their challenges and feel more valuable.

“In the context of the male staff at the Respiratory Hospital, they indicated that the last two years have been very demanding on them as they try to balance their work and personal lives. It is in this regard that this one-day retreat was planned to provide an avenue for our hardworking men to discuss the obstacles and challenges they face and to deliberate on coping strategies on matters relating to men’s health and wellness and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on men’s mental health.”

Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste praised the initiative and says it is important to provide support to the hard working staff of the hospital who continue to make daily sacrifices.

“I really appreciate what you are doing this morning and you are doing it not only for yourself but for your families because the experiences of Dr. Christy Daniel and Dr. Bray and the others who will speak to you will help all of us out. I really enjoy when I see so many men come to speak about themselves, medicine and health and so on.”

The men’s retreat focused on matters relating to men’s health, spiritual health, family and work commitments, dealing with stress, relationship issues and mental health to name a few.