Corp Comm Connects

Richmond Hill hospital receiving $700K for additional mental health beds

The beds announced today will support patients experiencing a mental health crisis that requires treatment and care that is more appropriately provided in a hospital setting

Newmarkettoday.ca
Feb. 1, 2021

The Ontario government is providing over $700,000 to add new in-patient mental health beds at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. This funding is part of the government’s comprehensive mental health and addictions plan Roadmap to Wellness. This plan is delivering high-quality care and building a modern, connected and comprehensive system to support those dealing with mental health and addictions issues.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that Ontarians have access to effective mental health and addictions services when and where they need them,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “We’re continuing to work with our partners to close gaps in care, expand services that support our most vulnerable populations and provide better more connected care in our mental health system.”

The beds announced today will support patients experiencing mental health challenges, including those who are experiencing a mental health crisis that require treatment and care that is more appropriately provided in a hospital setting.

These new beds build on the 52 additional in-patient mental health beds that the province created in 2019 to address critical gaps in Ontario’s mental health and addictions system and provide more people and families with high-quality mental health care closer to home.

“Ontarians in every corner of the province have felt the impacts of COVID-19. Increased periods of social isolation, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, have created added pressures, which can be difficult for people to handle,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge.

“We will not waiver in our commitment to ensuring every person has access to the highest-quality mental health and addictions care that meets their unique needs. This investment brings us one step closer to our goal of creating a comprehensive, connected and integrated system, where everyone is fully supported in their journey toward mental wellness.”

The province is also providing several additional investments to ensure Ontarians have the mental health and addictions care they need, including:
$1.1 million to support the operations of the Baycrest Hospital Behavioural Neurology Unit, which provides 20 in-patient mental health beds for individuals diagnosed with dementia and who have exhibited significant behavioural symptoms.

This program also includes supports for families and caregivers, in addition to facilitating a patient’s smooth transition from the hospital back into their community.

Up to $164,000 in additional funding to support the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) Wellbeing in Later-Life education and awareness program for seniors.

This program will provide training for health care and support staff working within retirement homes and long-term care homes to increase their understanding and awareness of the mental health challenges and unique needs of older adults for whom they care.

This program will also integrate anti-racism, anti-oppression and inclusive principles into the facilitator training and workshop materials to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. 

Enhanced support to the Seniors Safety Line with an additional investment of up to $130,000 to hire and train more operators to address the higher call volumes generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Up to $194 million in additional emergency mental health and addictions funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has expanded existing services and created new services, such as virtual tools and counselling.

QUICK FACTS