Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton, says the Bellevue hospital will be transformed into a de-stigmatised institution.

Speaking recently at an appreciation ceremony for clients at the facility, the minister said mental challenges affect more persons than is widely known and there is no “scorn” that should be associated or applied to a mental challenge.

Noting that a large part of the population is beset by various forms of mental issues, Dr. Tufton said too many people “suffer in silence” because they are ashamed to get treatment due to the stigma attached.

He told the gathering that part of the plan is to mainstream the importance of mental illness support.

Declaring that the negative thinking about mental health must be broken, the minister said he and his team at the ministry will be leading the charge.

Meanwhile, the ministry and other stakeholders will work to improve community-based support for persons who need it.