Southlake Regional Health Centre is welcoming the news that the provincial government is providing funding for five urgently needed additional beds for local mental health patients.
"It is reassuring to see the government making mental health a priority. Increasing capacity in under-serviced communities like ours is key to helping people get the care they need,” said Arden Krystal, president and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre.
“Southlake appreciates this investment to improve access to mental health services in our community. It will also help reduce congestion as we prepare for flu season — the busiest time of the year in our Emergency Department," she added.
Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, yesterday announced the first wave of direct mental health and addictions funding for more than 50 new mental health beds at 12 hospitals across the province.
“Ontario’s Government for the People is committed to ensuring that each dollar goes directly to services that will make a significant difference to patients," said Elliott, also Newmarket-Aurora MPP. "This immediate investment will help lower wait times for those in need of inpatient mental health and addictions treatment.”
The specific amount of funds that Southlake is to receive has not been confirmed.
The provincial government has committed to investing $3.8 billion over the next 10 years to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy.
The government is also engaging with health care leaders, subject matter experts, sector partners and associations, health service providers and people with lived experience to identify mental health and addiction needs across the province, Elliott said in a news release.
"These discussions will help inform decisions as we move forward with finally building a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system in Ontario," she said.
"Our government is committed to an Ontario where patients don't need to be in crisis to get the mental health and addictions treatment they need, when they need it. We will continue to make mental health a priority and work toward creating an Ontario where everyone is fully supported in their journey toward mental wellness."
