PCs want inquiry into Garron Centre capacity, code census lifted

By Andrew Pinsent and Mark Hodgins

HALIFAX – The leader of the province’s official opposition says a code census lifted this week at the IWK’s Garron Centre is not a short-term issue and wants a public inquiry called into the matter.

The centre provides acute inpatient mental health care for children and youth up to 19 years of age and a code census was declared last Thursday, meaning the centre was running at or near capacity, before it was then lifted Tuesday afternoon.

Health Minister Leo Glavine has said the issue is short term and in a statement the IWK said the code is standard practice within a number of acute care areas, but PC leader Jamie Baillie believes access to mental health treatment is an issue that needs to be addressed now.

“They have been trying to triage what’s a mental health crisis and what isn’t,” Baillie said.

“Is schizophrenia worse than anxiety? Is that worse than depression? Is that worse than suicidal tendencies?,” he asked rhetorically.

“When all the people, particularly young people, have reached the state of crisis they deserve to get the help they need.”

Baillie is calling for new investments in the mental health system, as well as a public inquiry into the matter.

An email statement to NEWS 95.7 from Dr. Ruth Carter, the director of Mental Health and Addictions Program at the IWK, said no patients ever go without care, even as units approach capacity, and emergency admissions never close.

“We never close the Garron Center to admissions even during code census,” she said, adding when patients needs are high, “we bring in more staff or reassign staff to cover the needs.”

“When we are in code census, we tell all of our partners who send us patients from across the province to ensure that access to care is maintained and patients receive the care they need.”

In an email, The Nova Scotia Health Authority said when a code census is called at The Garron Centre, the authority also ensures its partners at the IWK have resources available if needed.

When the centre is close to capacity, the statement says mental health teams with the health authority “work hard … to provide the most appropriate, effective and safe support possible.”

The NSHA encourages those with immediate mental health concerns to go to their local emergency department or call the Mental Health Mobile Crisis line at 1-888-429-8167.

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