Growing Need for Mental Health Care in Our Community The demand for mental health care in our community has been steadily rising, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. At Victoria Hospital, we have seen an increase in the number of people visiting our Urgent Care department seeking help for mental health concerns. As this need continues to grow, it is essential to transform our Urgent Care services to meet the evolving mental health needs of our community and provide patients with personalized, private, and supportive care for their recovery. Introducing the Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit The Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit is a specialized space within Victoria Hospital’s Urgent Care department, designed to offer those most vulnerable a safe, private, and healing environment. Through close collaboration between Urgent Care and mental health professionals, we provide focused, specialized mental health assessments in a calming and supportive setting. This innovative care model draws on the expertise of our interdisciplinary team to meet the unique needs of each patient. Benefits of a Patient-Centered Approach to Mental Health Care Our approach combines evidence-based practices with patient-focused care, resulting in: More rapid access to community and outpatient mental health resources Reduced wait times for mental health assessments Shorter hospital stays for patients in need Enhanced therapeutic relationships between patients and care teams The Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit is a six-bed unit and the first integrated mental health space of its kind in Manitoba, representing a significant step forward in mental health care.This $1.2 million Mental Health Assessment Unit is part of our $1.78 million investment in mental health care at Victoria Hospital, which also includes the Will & Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail. Together, we are committed to ensuring high-quality mental health care close to home, creating a stronger, healthier community for all. On average over 100 patients per month are admitted to the unit Over 2,100 have received care since it opened in June of 2022 If someone comes into the hospital with a broken bone, they are taken to the right place with the right tools for treatment. Mental illness is no different—we need an appropriate setting to care for individuals with mental health needs. – Dr. Jitender SareenShared Health’s Provincial Specialty Lead for Mental Health and Addictions
