Community mental health and addictions care at the IWK Health Centre are improving thanks to new practices and investments. Our province’s mental health crisis and urgent care services receive $1.6 million annually to facilitate positive changes.
For non-urgent care, 72% of individuals seen within 28 days, and the average wait time is 22 days. 98% of patients and families report satisfaction in the quality of care they receive. Furthermore, 90% of scheduled appointments are attended since the hospital’s referral and intake system has been changed.
Youth who need emergency care are seen immediately. Those who need urgent care are now seen in under 4 days.
10 more health-care positions have been created in the past year to expand mental health crisis and urgent care teams across the province. Additionally, the Mental Health Crisis Line has been enhanced with new system upgrades and more health-care professionals to help improve wait times.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call the toll-free number 1-888-429-8167 to receive help.
For more information about the IWK Health Centre’s mental health services, visit: http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health