Background

In response to a clear community need, the Department of Health and Wellness, in partnership with Health PEI, has been engaged in various review and planning initiatives for mental health and addictions across the province.

Increasing access to mental health and addiction services and programming through a Community First approach is a crucial pillar of the current government’s commitment to improving health care.

The government has committed to replacing Hillsborough Hospital, the Island’s only psychiatric facility, to ensure the province is well equipped to handle MH&A emergency and urgent care needs.

As part of the 2019-20 Capital Budget, the province approved $147 million province-wide for mental health and addictions infrastructure to improve care for the one in ten Islanders who experience mental health and addiction challenges in their lifetime. A master planning process has taken place to make sure Prince Edward Island gets this right – a plan for how we can move forward to achieve improved care, access, and support to Islanders, ultimately enhancing client and patient experience with the mental health and addictions system.

• The mental health landscape is changing, demand is increasing, and needs are more complex.
• We understand the toll that mental illness can have on an individual and their family, and we are working to build an enhanced continuum of care.
• All people living in PEI will have an equal opportunity to achieve and maintain the best possible mental health and wellbeing throughout their lifetime.
• Our vision for a future state of Mental Health and Addictions considers best practices in mental health and addictions, input from staff, patients, clients, families, and community partners.
• Phase 1 of Master Planning involved a review of provincial Mental Health and Addictions services and strategic and operational recommendations for the future state of Mental Health and Addictions.
• Phase 2 of Master Planning involved the development of a functional plan from the recommendations from Phase 1.
• Phase 3 of Master Planning involves the design and construction of new Mental Health and Addictions facilities, and renovation and retrofit of some existing Mental Health and Addictions Facilities.