P.E.I. will open first mental health, addictions emergency department in Atlantic Canada next week
Prince Edward Island will open its first mental health and addictions emergency department next week.
Anyone who needs urgent mental health, addiction and substance care or “clinical support in times of crisis” can visit the clinic.
“The toughest part for someone experiencing a mental health, addiction or substance use crisis is often just walking through the door,” writes Leslie Warren, Health PEI’s director of Mental Health and Addictions Acute and Complex Care, in a government release.
“We are proud of our partnership with Queen Elizabeth Hospital to strengthen how we care for Islanders by making that initial encounter a more positive one in a dedicated space with supportive mental health and addictions staff.”
The new facility is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, according to the Prince Edward Island Government.
It is part of the province’s efforts to make urgent mental health and addictions services more accessible to islanders, the government says.
“Having a space that is quiet, that is not in the midst of all the emergency department hustle and bustle, and medical emergencies, I think it’s going to be, really, a game changer,” said Dr. Javier Salabarria, provincial medical director for Mental Health and Addictions, during a Friday news conference.
The new facility cost $9.5 million and will provide people with mental health, addiction or substance use crises with 24/7 access to care. Staff at the facility are trained health-care providers who will “assess, stabilize, and manage urgent care needs,” the government says.
Health-care teams at the new facility will also create treatment plans with patients and connect them to other mental health, addiction or substance use services.
The department shares the same public entrance as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) emergency department.
“Patients will be assessed by the QEH emergency department triage team to ensure those in crisis receive any urgent medical care they need prior to moving into the new space for mental health, addiction and/or substance use care,” reads the release.
The 8,000-square-foot facility has two distinct spaces. The first is a mental health and addictions emergency department, which will open at 8 a.m. on Feb. 27.
“For those individuals who require emergency psychiatric or addiction services, this new Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department is the first step in their treatment journey,” says Dr. Javier Salabarria, Health PEI medical director of mental health and addictions services.
Short-stay mental health and addictions unit to open later
However, the other portion of the space, a short-stay mental health and addictions unit, will open in the coming months.
“It’s a stepped approach to any new facility. So we want to learn from how the new seven assessment rooms work and how the staff interacts, and then, again, we’ll level that up as we move in the introduction of this into the hospital,” said P.E.I. Health Minister Mark McLane during a Friday news conference.
To be admitted, patients require a psychiatric evaluation, and their stay will be for 72 hours or less.
“A psychiatric assessment is required for admission to the short-stay service,” the government says.
The new emergency department has:
- seven assessment rooms
- a family room
- consult rooms
- a central workstation for the health-care team
The short-stay unit has:
- four patient rooms
- two transition rooms for patients waiting for a mental health bed
“Having streamlined, 24/7 access to a team of health care providers specializing in mental health and addiction treatment will mean Islanders asking for help will get the help they need fast, in a dedicated and welcoming place. This is a life-changing step forward that will touch the lives of so many,” says Mark McLane, minister of Health and Wellness.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jack Morse.
For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.