A water leak that occurred on Friday, March 15, in the Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building at the QEII Health Sciences Centre has caused disruptions in the provision of Mental Health and Addictions services, leading to the relocation of patients from the inpatient unit.
The incident has primarily affected Floors 5, 6, and 7 of the Abbie Lane Building, resulting in the loss of 20 inpatient beds. Before the leak, there were 48 inpatient beds available.
The extent of the damage is still under assessment, and timelines for repairs and bed operationalization remain uncertain.
As a result of this incident, there will be a temporary reduction in available mental health and addictions inpatient beds province-wide while temporary solutions are implemented. We are working to identify additional beds to add to our current capacity.
Our teams have demonstrated resilience, unity, and unwavering dedication, supporting and prioritizing the well-being of our patients and families. It has been a collective effort in responding to this situation, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need during this period of disruption.
We urge anyone in need of mental health and addictions care to continue seeking support. Anyone requiring admission will receive necessary care, although it may require being admitted farther from home than usual.
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Nova Scotians can continue to self-refer to Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program for supports and services by calling the Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service Line (toll-free) 1-855-922-1122, to be connected to a clinician Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8 p.m. This line has voicemail only on evenings, and weekends.
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health and addictions crisis or someone concerned about someone experiencing a crisis. Call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167.
Visit Mental Health and Addiction’s Program website, http://MHAhelpNS.ca, to learn more about our services, resources, and tools.
Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911.
The Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167.