Four hospitals in Wellington County are getting $3 million to improve and expand their emergency mental health services.
Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins made the funding announcement Thursday at Guelph General, accompanied by Guelph MPP Liz Sandals and representatives of the Wellington County hospitals receiving the cash infusion.
The bulk of that money, $2.4 million, goes to Guelph General Hospital. Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus gets $326,000 and hospitals in Palmerston and Mount Forest will share $326,000.
In Guelph the money will be used to ensure that a mental health nurse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will also be used to support new addictions councillors and help pay for safe rooms currently being constructed in the hospital's emergency department.
Hoskins referred to the tragic case of 36-year-old Brandon Duncan, who was shot and killed in Guelph General's emergency department last year.
"I also think it's important today, because of where we are, to remember the tragedy that happened just over a year ago," Hoskins said at the press conference.
"No one can undo what happened. But what followed that tragic event was pretty remarkable. The community here rallied together as a united front and came up with a plan to make changes so that the tragedies like the death of Brandon Duncan wouldn't happen again.
"People struggling with mental health challenges deserve access to services the same way the someone with a broken leg would receive," the Minister said.
Hoskins also stressed that health care workers also deserve to feel safe and supported in their work environment.
For the North Wellington and Groves hospitals, the funding means mental health assessments will be available on evenings, weekends and holidays.
"We know that nigh time is often the hardest for people experiencing mental health challenges. They need to be able to access help," Hoskins said.
Ministry statistics say one in 40 Ontarians will experience a serious mental health illness at some point in their lives and 30 percent of Ontarians will experience a mental health and/or substance abuse issue at some point.
Marianne Walker, CEO of Guelph General Hospital, said the money means reductions in incidents in harm for patients and staff.
"Our patients who come to our emergency department for mental health and addiction services will not be waiting for a long period of time. They're going to have access to specialized services right away," Walker said.
Improved security, monitoring, safe rooms, clinics outside of the emergency department and enhanced counselling will all benefit from the money, she said.
Hoskins also announced an increase in operating funding for Guelph General for over $2.5 million and St. Joseph's Health Care of $650,000.
"The investements our government is making for Guelph reflect the province's ongoing commitment to work with local communities to ensure that the health care system continues to improve and is equipped to serve every patient's unique needs," Sandals said.
