Improved mental health services for youth at the Campbellton Regional Hospital
Campbellton, July 11, 2014 – A new unit providing psychiatry services to children and adolescents was officially opened this afternoon at the Campbellton Regional Hospital.
Martine Coulombe, MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée, was attending the event on behalf of the Minister of Health, the honourable Hugh Flemming. “This child psychiatry unit will enable the Campbellton Regional Hospital to provide the best care possible to mentally ill youth into a separate and safe place where they can get the right care at the right time for their specific needs. This new service is also part of our Action plan for equitable health services to ensure high quality, patient-centred health-care services are provided to patients across New Brunswick without linguistic barriers,” she said.
According to Jacques Duclos, Chief Operating Officer of the Restigouche Zone, the physical facilities at the Campbellton Regional Hospital did not meet the special needs of youth who require hospitalization for a mental health problem. “To improve the situation, renovations were made in the Psychiatry Unit sector where adult clients are treated. We now have a separate area for children and adolescents,” he said.
Dr. Ralph Holly, psychiatrist and Chief of Staff of the Restigouche Zone, stressed the fact that many children and adolescents have serious emotional and relationship issues early in life. “These problems are too often incorrectly diagnosed and treated and thus they become chronic, increasing their suffering and that of their families,” he said. “I trust that the new unit will become a leader in mental health services in our region in order to help children, adolescents and their parents to find ways to alleviate their distress.”
The new Child Psychiatry Unit, which includes two rooms with a lounge, provides a safer environment for children and adolescent clients. A kitchenette, washroom, and nursing station were also set up. This environment is focused on the needs of children and adolescents who receive care according to a program schedule specially tailored to their needs.
An initiative under the Plan for Greater Equity in the Provision of Health Care Services 2013-2018, the renovations represent a total investment of $560,000. The official opening took place at the Campbellton Regional Hospital with a number of dignitaries and guests in attendance.
From left to right: Dr Ralph Holly, Chief of Staff, Martine Coulombe, MLA for Restigouche-la-Vallée, Jacques Duclos, Chief Operating Officer of the Restigouche Zone, Paul Couturier, Chairman of the Board of Directors
