LETTER: Concerned about mental health care cuts, new Waterford hospital location

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The reason for my email today is to inform the Liberal Government of my displeasure with the proposed relocation of the Waterford Hospital and further cuts to mental health care, namely the 30 per cent reduction of beds.

First of all, I am speaking from experience.

I know it is the province’s plan to spread beds out across the island, which is a very good idea. The thing is with addictions and mental health issues on the rise and an aging population in St. John’s there will be a greater need for beds.

One in four elderly people will have some kind of mental illness. This statistic appeared in the 2017 Vital Signs report, was put together by Memorial University’s Harris Centre and the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The stat includes dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I just can’t see how cutting 30 per cent will be a better solution.

The cutting of these beds is sure to increase the numbers at St. Clare’s. Is it cheaper to care for someone with a mental illness at St. Clare’s?

Why does a patient (18 years old) released from psychiatry at The Janeway have to wait two years to see an adult psychiatrist?

Why is there a two year wait regardless? People are really sick and are not getting the care they need. Patients are being sent home with mothers like me who do not have the skills necessary to deal with this complex problem.

My other complaint is with the moving of the Waterford Hospital to the Health Science Center.

The land is on a flood plain. Instead of building a berm, put the money into building a new hospital on the same location where it is now. A new building has to be built no doubt but what is the reasoning for moving location?

Another concern is if the Health Sciences, MUN Medicine, Janeway and the cancer treatment centre had to be evacuated there is only one road to move people out. That would mean thousands of people having to be moved on that single road. I believe it is unsafe.

Was there ever a study done on the evacuation process in case it has to be implemented? What procedures are in place in case a dangerous patient escapes inside that large building. And parking?

I know addictions and mental illness have no boundaries on demographics, but most people struggling with these issues gravitate towards the downtown core. Meaning Waterford Bridge Road would be more accessible.

I think the Newfoundland and Labrador government should bite the bullet and do the right thing and build a hospital that is needed on Waterford Bridge Road. In for a penny in for a pound.

I know the Liberals inherited a mess from the PCs with Nalcor and Muskrat Falls but we have to take care of our sick and elderly.

The surroundings of the hospital should also be taken into consideration. I know from experience that looking at Bowring Park is more therapeutic and relaxing then looking at cars racing up the Parkway.

Everyone should be respected and respectful of others that is a given. But I am wondering about the safety of others.

Cathy Browne

St. John’s