Mental health support for British nationals in Dominica
Information about support for British nationals experiencing mental health difficulties in Dominica.
Read guidance on mental health abroad for broader advice on mental health issues while travelling or living abroad.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency or for urgent medical attention call 999 or 911 and ask for the ambulance or police or go to the emergency department at any general hospital.
For less urgent medical attention visit the closest District Health Centre Home - Government of Dominica Web Portal or make an appointment with a doctor. See our list of Dominica: medical facilities - GOV.UK.
Prescriptions
Bringing medicines into Dominica
Read guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK and Dominica travel advice - GOV.UK.
Accessing medicines in Dominica
You may find it difficult to find certain medicines in Dominica. If you take regular medication, you should bring at least enough to last for your stay. Consider bringing extra in case your stay in Dominica is extended for any reason.
If you need a repeat or replacement prescription while you are in Dominica, you should approach a local pharmacy who can provide advice.
Bring a copy of your prescription to Dominica. This can help doctors find the exact or similar medication.
Admission to hospital for mental health reasons
Hospitals with mental health facilities are limited in Dominica. You should consider whether this impacts your ability to travel there.
To access inpatient care voluntarily in Dominica you should first visit a local health clinic or a public or private hospital. A healthcare professional will assess your needs and, if specialist treatment is required, may refer you to the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.
People experiencing a mental health crisis may be detained in hospital and treated against their wishes if they are thought to be a risk to themselves or others.
This is comparable to sectioning in the UK but there are significant differences in procedure and law. UK mental health law is non-transferrable to other countries so even if a person is sectioned in the UK, this cannot be used to admit them to hospital abroad. The same applies to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.
To assist health professionals treating you, you may be asked to provide a medical history or help in accessing UK medical records.
Outpatient treatment
You may also be able to access outpatient care in Dominica. You can find a list of hospitals that offer outpatient mental health care in our list of Dominica: medical facilities - GOV.UK.
Treatment outside of hospital
You can also get mental health care outside hospital in Dominica, including non-urgent treatment. Contact the health centre in the district where you are staying or living. You can also check our list of Dominica: medical facilities - GOV.UK for places that may be able to offer treatment.
Medical bills and insurance
Hospital bills and other medical fees may be high in Dominica without adequate travel insurance. If you are treated in hospital against your wishes, you may still be charged medical fees.
The cost of hospitalisation may be covered by your travel insurance.
You may be entitled to non-urgent medical attention. Check with your provider before receiving care.
Make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurance provider to ensure your insurance is valid. Enquire where possible ahead of any treatment about likely cost and whether it will be covered by your insurance.
If you do not have adequate insurance, you will need to cover costs from your own personal funds. Read about medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad and foreign travel insurance.
Making decisions on behalf of someone lacking mental capacity
To make decisions on behalf of someone ‘lacking mental capacity’, speak to a lawyer in list of local English-speaking lawyers for advice. In the UK, you can apply to become someone’s deputy if they ‘lack mental capacity’ but UK deputies are unlikely to be recognised in Dominica.
Support from agencies and organisations in Dominica
Contact these organisations in Dominica for mental health support and advice:
- Lifeline Dominica - Lifeline Dominica - We Believe!
- Dominica Association of persons with Disabilities DAPD
There are also some social support organisations in Dominica that you may wish to contact.
- Home - Government of Dominica Web Portal - Social Welfare Division +1 (767) 266 3080
- Home - Bureau of Gender Affairs
International organisations
These international organisations may be able to help you whilst you are overseas:
Returning to the UK
If you are abroad and need help to return to the UK, the FCDO can try to assist in making plans for your return. See what the FCDO can and cannot do.
You may not automatically be entitled to state benefits if you have never lived in the UK, or if you have lived abroad for some time. This includes free NHS hospital treatment. See the returning to the UK guidance for more information, including on healthcare.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. For more information, read our consular information disclaimer.