Sheikh Khalifa Medical City's Behavioural Science Patients Take Part in 9th ‘DIY Bazaar'

Handicraft Project by Patients Runs 12 – 15 July

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Patients from the Behavioural Science Pavilion (BSP) at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) are taking part in the 9th Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Bazaar project, this Ramadan.

Over four days patients from the BSP day centre and inpatient long term ward will display their handcrafted work for sale in the main lobby of the hospital.

The money collected from the bazaar, now in its second year and continuing to flourish, is given back to the patients working on their projects, as an incentive to participate and interact.

“The bazaar is more than just a place to pick up knickknacks, home décor, jewellery or other handicrafts, it’s a wonderful experience that combines art and the true talent of our patients. Presenting their work in an informal, community-oriented environment is key to the success of the DIY bazaar, and the patients truly benefit from the interaction,” said Dr. Maha Al Amri, Director of Behavioural Science Pavilion, SKMC.

“It’s important for the patients to feel like they are a part of the community, and it’s important for the community to interact with them, in order to reduce the stigma around psychiatric illness. The bazaar has been so successful that we’re looking to help other departments in SKMC replicate it,” Dr. Al Amri added.

The BSP provides patient-centred psychiatric and psychological care of the highest quality, while supporting and increasing awareness of mental health within the community. As one of the most modern and comprehensive psychiatry programs in the region, the BSP follows a patient-first culture which ensures the best possible care and outcomes for its patients. The BSP is the largest provider of mental healthcare services in the UAE, covering all psychiatric and psychological subspecialties including addiction, adult, child and adolescent mental health, forensic, geriatric and community psychiatry and psychology.

The bazaar will be open to the public from 12 – 15 July, from 9am to 2pm.

SKMC, managed by Cleveland Clinic, is a SEHA HealthSystem facility.