Peace Arch Hospital opens mental health treatment area

A new mental health and substance-use treatment area is now open at the Peace Arch Hospital.

In a press conference on Saturday, Health Minister Adrian Dix says the new unit, which includes a waiting room, two interview rooms and an examination room, is tailored to meet the needs of people in psychological distress and is separate from the rest of the emergency department.

“Those experiencing psychological distress can receive treatment in a quiet, calming and dedicated space,” Dix said. “Taking care of our mental health is a vital part of taking care of our overall health.”

In the first year of being open, Dix says Peace Arch Hospital’s expanded emergency department saw a more than 10 per cent increase in patients, serving more than 58,000 patients between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023. The expanded department, where the new mental health treatment area is located, features 50 new single-patient treatment spaces and a pediatric-friendly space.

Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions, says global instability and an unrelenting toxic drug crisis are contributing to an overwhelming amount of stress and uncertainty that’s affecting people’s mental health.

“If we can provide spaces where people feel safe, and where the impact of all of this on their mental health can really be something that is front and center when they come to get care at the hospital, that is a critical thing,” she said.

She adds typical emergency room department environments can be noisy, scary and difficult to navigate for someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Sometimes people really need a dedicated, quiet, safe zone to be able to stabilize to get the care that they need, somewhere to just slow down, decompress and focus on the recovery journey,” Whiteside said.

“That’s why I’m so glad that this new mental health and substance use zone is now open here at Peace Arch Hospital.”

Natalie McCarthy, vice president of regional care integration with Fraser Health, says the goal of the centre is about making everyone feel welcome.

“This isn’t just about a shiny new space. It’s about creating an atmosphere where every person, regardless of their struggle, feels safe, comfortable and confident that they’ll get the treatment and assistance that they need,” McCarthy said.

“That stigma has cast a long dark shadow that’s prevented many people with mental health and substance use needs from asking for help and support. By situating these services in the heart of the emergency department, we hope to send an important message that seeking help for your mental health is as essential and natural as it is for any other health condition. “

Peace Arch Hospital opened in 1954 and has 201 beds. The addition of this new treatment area is part of the hospital’s renewal project.

The total renewal project cost was $86.6 million and was provided by the provincial government, through Fraser Health, and the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.