Prominent Lautoka-based NGO Empower Pacific has withdrawn all of its mental health and psychological support services from the Lautoka Divisional Hospital.
In a statement, Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam confirmed the withdrawal of their services after 18 years of offering mental healthcare at the hospital.
“In 2005, Lautoka Hospital was the first divisional hospital in the country where Empower Pacific started providing counselling and social work services,” he said.
“These services were provided to the divisional hospital’s patients, medical and support staff within the hospital.
“We respect the decision of the executive management of ASPEN Medical Fiji to have their in-house counsellors to provide counselling services at the Lautoka Hospital leaving us no alternative for the continuous provision of our services.”
While their services have ended at the hospital, Mr Morgam assured members of the public that they would still offer their services to those who sought it.
“We would like to assure that our counselling and social work services by Empower Pacific at the other hospitals located around country would continue as normal.
“Our 24/7 toll free counselling helpline — 5626 remains active, available and accessible to people in need of our services.
“We sincerely acknowledge the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for providing us with the space to have our counselling centre situated at the hospital and also for the respected partnership forged with the Lautoka Divisional Hospital management team, doctors, nurses and all the staff since 2005.”
