Government supports psychiatric assessment/short stay unit

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today $800,000 will be provided to the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s to establish a psychiatric assessment/short stay unit in St. John�s.

"This investment fills a critical void in mental health services in this region," said Minister Bettney. "The psychiatric assessment/short stay unit will enable the health system to respond immediately and more effectively to people who are experiencing a mental health emergency."

The proposal for the psychiatric assessment/short stay unit was developed with input from client and family groups, the Health Care Corporation, and the departments of Health and Community Services and Justice. The unit was identified as a means to respond to mental health clients who are unnecessarily detained in the city lock-up.

The funding announced today will be used by the Health Care Corporation to renovate a section of the Waterford Hospital to develop a secure psychiatric assessment area with an attached short stay unit. The assessment unit will meet the needs of individuals who are now detained under the Mental Health Act by providing them with a safe and comfortable place while being examined by a physician. The unit will also respond to those who come to the Waterford on their own seeking help.

"Currently, those who are detained under the Mental Health Act are sent to the city lock-up since it is the safest and securest place we have available," said Minister Bettney. "This unit will reduce significantly the use of the lock-up for people who are apprehended under the Mental Health Act."

The short stay unit will consist of eight beds and will provide intensive crisis intervention for up to 72 hours. The staffing of the unit will be provided by the reassignment of existing mental health professionals who will be brought together in a multidisciplinary team. The unit is expected to open in early 2003.

"Patients will receive intensive early intervention at the short stay unit. This can prevent a personal mental health crisis from getting worse and reduce the length of hospital stay," said Minister Bettney. "The short stay unit should reduce the number of patients who are admitted to the Waterford."

The Department of Health and Community Services is now awaiting a review of mental health services and programs currently underway. This review will identify what programs and services are working well and where there are service gaps. While the review is expected to be completed by March 31, 2002, the department felt it was important to proceed with the development of the psychiatric assessment/short stay unit.

"Government�s decision to support this unit is a significant step forward to improve mental health services in the province," said Minister Bettney. "We will continue to work with mental health professionals to offer the best range of services possible to mental health clients."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-1377.

2002 03 21                             3:10 p.m.