Province launches ‘bold and innovative’ addictions care model

VANCOUVER — The provincial government has launched what it calls “a bold and innovative” way of treating people living with mental health and addictions challenges.

Victoria says the St. Paul’s Hospital HUB in Vancouver is a first-of-its-kind health-care model in Canada and will provide a “one-stop shop” for people needing help.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says The HUB Emergency Department “has up to 10 beds dedicated to rapid assessment, treatment and stabilization of mental health and/or substance-use challenges. This will not only provide better care to people in need, it will also decrease emergency room congestion and wait times.”

The ministry says the model is well-suited for St. Paul’s considering it treats the largest number of patients with mental health and or substance-use challenges.