The reorganization of mental health services is having an impact on the entire health care system in Quebec, and Southwest Montreal is no exception! To help the public understand this reform, the University Institute in Mental Health Douglas is inviting everyone interested to attend one of two public information meetings to be held on June 17 (in French) and June 18 (in English).

Better access, better care

The Douglas Institute and its partners, CSSS Sud-Ouest-Verdun and CSSS Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle, are working together to implement the Mental Health Action Plan (PASM) proposed by the Ministry of Health and Social services.

One of the major features of PASM is the reorganization of access to services and care to ensure that clients are served in their own community. From now on, people from 0 to 100 years of age suffering from a mental health problem will be able to receive 1st line services and care, either from the teams of professionals in Health and Social Services Centres (CSSSs) or from a general practitioner. Once their mental health status has been evaluated, they will be able to continue to profit from the 1st line services or, if needed, will be directed towards more specialized services.

In order to serve new mental health clients effectively, each CSSS will need to add mental health professionals to its team. Where will these professionals come from? Some will come from the Douglas. In fact, 50 Douglas professionals will be transferred to partner CSSSs to help form the new multidisciplinary 1st line mental health teams.

What will happen to patients receiving care at the Douglas?

Several patients who are currently being treated at the Douglas Institute present stable profiles that do not require the care and services of a highly specialized (2nd or 3rd line) mental health institution. The clinical teams at the Douglas are presently identifying these patients and are arranging for their continued care to be assured by a team of 1st line professionals by or a general practitioner. Once this has been done, patients will be advised of their transfer by their clinical case manager at the Douglas. The transfers will take place during 2009.

Why such changes?

On the island of Montreal, 60% of those seeking treatment for a mental health problem do not require the services of a hospital. Until now, however, general health services were not equipped to meet this need. Consequently, many people had to be treated in hospitals such as the Douglas, which specializes in the treatment of serious mental health problems, thus creating an increased strain on the system and corresponding delays in access to services. With the new organization of 1st line mental health care services, CSSSs and psychiatric hospitals can mobilize all their resources far more efficiently, which will result in improved access and continuity of service.

Public information meetings at the Douglas

Who?
Patients, family members, community organizations, health and social services personnel, the general public.

When?
June 17 – 7:00 p.m. (in French)
June 18 – 7:00 p.m. (in English)

Where?
Douglas Hall, Douglas Institute
6875, boulevard LaSalle
Verdun