Italian
Professor Franco Garonna, Medical Director and Head of Psychiatry at the Park Villa Napoleon Clinic, discusses the evolution of the facility and its central role in mental health. A model that combines clinical innovation and history
TREVISO. Park Villa Napoleon, a neuropsychiatric care facility accredited by the National Health Service, is now a reference center for the treatment and rehabilitation of mental disorders in Italy. Led by Professor Franco Garonna, Medical Director and Head of Psychiatry, the facility stands out for its integrated clinical vision and ability to respond promptly to new health emergencies.
“This is a neuropsychiatric care home accredited by the National Health Service“, explains Garonna. The facility provides assistance to patients from all over the country and also from abroad: “We have an agreement through the regional service with all of Italy, and of course, it is also possible to admit patients presenting mental disorders or neurological disorders from abroad.“
The historic headquarters of the Casa di Cura is Villa Rieti Rota, a beautiful Venetian villa from the 18th century, purchased in 1966 along with the entire park of 52,000 square meters. Located along the historic road of Terraglio, which connects Venice to Treviso, the villa is set in a context of great architectural and landscape value. “The Casa di Cura has an important position in the Veneto region, in Treviso and Venice. All the highways converge here, and we have three nearby airports,” emphasizes Garonna.
Over the years, the villa has undergone meticulous renovations to combine health efficiency with hospitality, preserving the historical elegance of the building and the centuries-old park that surrounds it. A new pavilion has recently been inaugurated, marking the first step towards the future configuration of the structure. “We have spaces and availability to engage in somewhat emerging sectors,” adds Garonna.
Founded in 1968, Villa Napoleon is now divided into three pavilions, one of which has been recently expanded, featuring single and double rooms equipped with every comfort. Patients also have access to the large green spaces, which promote rehabilitation in a serene and natural setting.
The facility operates 24/7 thanks to a multidisciplinary team: doctors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and healthcare operators. “We treat adult subjects, but also patients in adolescence and pre-adolescence, particularly for child neuropsychiatry.“
Professor Garonna has personally experienced the transformation of the Italian psychiatric system: “I was hired as the first hire at the psychiatric hospital in Pergine, in the asylum to be clear… from the asylum to the community, I went through all these experiences.“
At the core of Villa Napoleon’s work is a clear philosophy: “Our mission is somewhat this: to anticipate the times, not to let the waves of needs overwhelm us, but to somehow anticipate them.” For this reason, the facility has also equipped itself to address issues such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and addiction to alcohol and new drugs: “We opened a service for substance abuse when it was exploding… We provide an intermediate service between outpatient treatment and community treatment, and it is very useful.“
Finally, Garonna highlights with satisfaction the innovative and forward-thinking clinical approach: “We initially dealt with obesity and finally now obesity and overweight are considered a disease in Italy… and from this who knows how many good things will come for the health and well-being of all of us.“
