Mental Health Specialty Hospitals Welcome Drummond Commission Report

"The Effects of Mental Health and Addictions on our health care system should not be underestimated"

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Recommendations on mental health care by the Ontario government's Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services, released Wednesday, were welcomed by the province's specialty mental health centres: Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores), The Royal Ottawa, Waypoint Centre, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

"We were pleased to see the recommendation on regional integrated care, as well as a focus on specialized health facilities that have province-wide responsibilities" said Carol Lambie, President and CEO of Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.

"We know that people with mental illness and addictions are trying to access services in Emergency Departments, Family Health Teams and clinics across the province.  Increased system capacity for comprehensive mental health care is critical," said Glenna Raymond, President and CEO of Ontario Shores.

George Weber, President and CEO of The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, noted that "the emphasis throughout the report on the need for coordination across the health system, from hospital to community, is an important aspect to improving the care for those with mental illness and addictions."

The report, which pointed to the historic underfunding of mental health services, also reiterated the significant economic costs of mental illness and addictions to Ontario and the ripple effects across the justice, education and social services sectors.  "It's time for a pan government approach, supported by a provincial planning capacity in mental health," noted Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH.

The four hospitals are working together as part of the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Quality Initiative committed to improving care, education and innovative research in mental health.

Michael Torres, CAMH Media Relations: 416 595-6015 or [email protected]

Nicole Loreto, Chief Communications Officer, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group: 613 722-6521 ext. 6448 or [email protected]

Laurene Hilderley, Director of Communications and Fund Development, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care: [phone] ext. 2214 or [email protected]

Susan Nakhle, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences: [phone], ext. 6068 [email protected]