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P.E.I. Youth Mental Unit Move Sparks Safety Fears
12 Mar
Summary
- Staff are concerned the move could traumatize vulnerable youth.
- Concerns exist over shared spaces between youth and adult units.
- Health P.E.I. states the new unit will be separate from adult areas.
Concerns are mounting among healthcare professionals on Prince Edward Island regarding the impending relocation of the island's only child and youth psychiatric unit. The unit, which serves individuals aged six to 17, is slated to move from Hillsborough Hospital to a site adjacent to the adult mental health emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This move is anticipated to last until a new mental health campus opens, potentially by 2028.
Frontline workers have voiced significant apprehension, citing potential trauma to young patients. Their primary worry involves the possibility of shared spaces, such as washrooms and showers, between the youth and adult psychiatric units. Staff suggest this proximity could lead to increased emotional dysregulation and potential harm due to exposure to adult patients' behavior and communication.
Health P.E.I. has stated its commitment to safety, asserting that the new unit will be entirely separate from adult departments, with no shared sightlines or patient spaces. They describe the new location as bright, modern, and specifically designed to enhance safety. The authority also noted that staff input has been incorporated throughout the relocation planning process.
