Mission Statement
“To protect, treat and educate women with mental illnesses, empowering them to function in their communities.”

Podlewski Ward, formerly known as Kelly Ward, was officially renamed on 13th November, 1996 in honor of Dr.  Henryk Podlewski, the first psychiatrist to work in the Bahamas. This Ward is the primary acute female admission ward of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and admits patients ranging in age from seventeen (17) to seventy (70) years.

This thirty-two (32) bed unit is made up of two dormitories, a fairly large multipurpose room, and two patient bathrooms. There is an office which also functions as a conference, report taking and medication room, a Nursing Office and a staff bathroom. A courtyard in the back and the gazebo in front of the ward serve as areas for therapeutic rapport and socialization.

The main objective of Podlewski Ward is to provide Holistic Care for females with mental and emotional problems. This includes meeting physical, social, spiritual and psychological needs. This can be achieved through:

1. Treatment – individual, group and family counseling, medication
2. Discharge planning
3. Education / Teaching - what is mental illness, how it can be treated, what can be expected in the hospital setting, and relapse prevention
4. Occupational Therapy – such as skill acquiring and enhancement (e.g. quilt and rug making)
5. Recreational Therapy - includes games, movies, bus rides and other activities to encourage socialization skills

The Ward strives to ensure that:

1. It represents a cozy, homelike environment that women provide for their families and themselves.
2. Female patients are rehabilitated in the area of proper grooming and dressing, as this contributes greatly to improving their self esteem.  
3. Patients are exposed to all cultural events that are celebrated in the community.
4. Patients celebrate special days with the rest of The Bahamas 
5. The Community is welcome to volunteer and socialize with the patients

Diagnosis Treated

• Schizophrenia
• Manic Depressive Psychosis
• Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• Drug Induced Psychosis
• Drug Abuse
• Psychosis - Unspecified
• Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
• Mental Retardation

Therapeutic Team

• Psychiatrist
• Psychiatric Trained Nurses
• Nursing Officers
• Registered Nurses
• Trained Clinical Nurses
• Nursing Auxiliaries and Attendants
• Social Workers
• Occupational Therapist
• Recreational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychologist

Source of Referrals

• Accident and Emergency Department, Princess Margaret Hospital;
• Out Patients Department, Princess Margaret Hospital;
• Wards of the Princess Margaret Hospital;
• Family Islands;
• Community Counselling & Assessment Centre;
• Doctor’s Offices;
• Patient’s Homes; and
• Self Referred

The Community Can Help

• Stop the stigmatizing of patients e.g. calling them “crazy”
• Re-employ patients who are discharged
• Grant patients time off for follow up appointment without penalization.

Family Responsibilities

• Attend patient conferences during patient’s admission
• Ask questions about the patient’s diagnosis, illness, signs and symptoms, and medications
• Ensure that patient receives appointment at discharge
• When possible accompany clinic to follow up clinic (Initially).
• Check medication containers periodically to prevent running out.
• Never discontinue medications unless instructed by the Doctor
• Never allow patients to discontinue follow up unless ordered by the Doctor.
• Request that your Pastors Invite the Mental Health Team to present to your staff
• Personally attend sessions about mental health whenever announced.

Special Annual Events
Mother’s Day Luncheon
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Easter and Christmas Parties
Patients’ Junkanoo Parade
Christmas Ward Decorations

Visiting Hours
Wednesday
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 mid-day
Monday - Saturday and Sunday & Holidays
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

For additional information or to inquire how you can assist, please contact us

Contact Information
Podlewski Ward
Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre
P. O .Box FH-14383
Fox Hill Road
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 364-9660
Fax: (242) 324-3922 

We are always here for you!