Nova Scotia to test acute outpatient facility for mental health care in Halifax

HALIFAX -

Nova Scotia is launching a new model of care for some mental health patients through an outpatient unit scheduled to open next month in Halifax.

Brian Comer, the minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, told reporters today the 10-patient unit will treat people who need acute care but aren't sick enough to require overnight hospitalization.

Comer says the $1.4-million facility, which will use existing space at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, should eventually free up beds in hospital mental health units.

The minister says data on the pilot project will be collected over the next six months to a year, with the goal of eventually expanding the concept to other areas of the province.

Comer says the Halifax hospital will be staffed by a team of specialists, including a newly hired psychiatrist.

Health officials say the concept is used in Ontario and in countries such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2022.