Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government is investing $2.4 million annually in a newly enhanced program to improve access to mental health assessments and crisis supports in rural and remote areas, Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Janice Morley-Lecomte announced here today.
“Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health issues across Manitoba and Canada, and Manitobans in rural communities and First Nations face distinct challenges in accessing the services they need, when and where they need them,” said Morley-Lecomte. “We are investing in an innovative initiative that allows these individuals timely access to crisis stabilization and psychiatric care without leaving their communities and support networks, keeping them close to home as they seek wellness and recovery.”
The new Rural Emergent Telepsychiatry and Integrated Virtual Ward Program combines two successful pilot projects—a virtual crisis stabilization unit (vCSU) and emergent telepsychiatry services (ETS)—that were launched in 2021 to provide provincially co-ordinated virtual mental health supports, the minister said. Virtual programs reduce barriers associated with facility-based services, including the need to travel, while providing individuals with care similar to what they would receive in person.
The integration of the two initiatives into the single expanded program will improve service delivery and efficiency, the minister noted, adding it will provide easier access to mental health services for adults in northern First Nations communities and rural health facilities while reducing waits and unnecessary patient transfers and admissions.
“The expansion of emergency telepsychiatry and virtual crisis stabilization will positively impact the lives of many Manitobans, including residents of the Interlake-Eastern region,” said Kate Hodgson, regional lead, health services, community and continuing care, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. “The ongoing support and enhancement of these mental health services is a welcome addition.”
Like a facility-based crisis stabilization unit, the vCSU provides short-term, community-based, supportive care and treatment for individuals in psychiatric or psychosocial crisis and at risk of hospitalization. With ETS, real-time psychiatric assessments are conducted through secure videoconferencing, allowing individuals in remote communities to access this specialized care.
“Our virtual crisis services are breaking through the walls of our acute-care settings and expanding our reach into areas that are underserved, and directly to individuals in need within the security and comfort of their own communities and homes,” said Dr. Jennifer Hensel, co-medical director, Rural Emergent Telepsychiatry and Integrated Virtual Ward Program, Shared Health. “This is the future of health care and we are leading the way in Manitoba.”
As of May 31, the vCSU has admitted more than 1,000 people in crisis, leading to a reduction in unnecessary use of emergency and hospital services. ETS has received 549 calls for service, providing virtual care that prevented 246 unnecessary out-of-community medical transports and 138 hospital admissions.
“I was skeptical at first whether virtual care would be as good as the care you get in person,” said Jennifer Dedelley, a Manitoban who has used a crisis stabilization unit. “But I felt very supported right away, received a call every day and was also connected to other supports to help me stay on track. I am grateful for the perspective I have gained and the support I received to get me through dark and difficult times.”
The minister noted the investment aligns with the strategic priorities identified in A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba , the Manitoba government’s five-year plan for improving wellness, mental health, substance use and addictions programs and services throughout the province.
The program also contributes to the Manitoba government’s commitment to develop a provincially co-ordinated action plan for suicide prevention, as outlined in the 2022 throne speech and Budget 2023, by ensuring individuals are offered supports they need at the right time.