Fraser Health has announced it will create a new Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Response Centre in Surrey.
It will streamline access to mental health and addiction services, and create what it calls “clear pathways to care” that will include community appointments, short-stay community residential stabilization, and hospital services.
It will be located at the Surrey Memorial Hospital campus and will increase access to psychiatrists, provide assessments 18 hours a day, seven days a week, and reduce wait times through same-day appointments.
“We are committed to reshaping the way that mental health services are delivered in every region across the province,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy in a release from Fraser Health.
“Making it easier for people who are struggling with urgent mental health or substance use issues to access services in one place means they can get the support they need faster and start their healing journey sooner.”
Dr. Anson Koo, Regional Department Head and Program medical Director for Mental Health and Substance use at Fraser Health, described it as a sea change in how they treat and help people.
“This is going to completely change our model of how we provide access to mental health and substance use services in Surrey.”
“We think we’re gonna see some really impressive results in terms of shortened wait times and seamless access to services in the community,” added Dr. Koo.
Fraser Health said the centre will serve as a primary point of contact for people when they require urgent care but do not require hospitalization, eliminating the need for them to go to an emergency department.
It said people can access the centre directly themselves, by referral from their family physician, or if they are brought in by police or other first responders.
With files from Global News reporter Janet Brown
Comments