NL Health Services says outpatient services through the new Mental Health and Addictions facility will be provided in the community, closer to the patients they’re serving.

The health authority is responding to concerns raised by the Registered Nurses Union following a recent tour of the new facility, scheduled to open next month.

RNU questions outpatient services at new facility

RNU President Yvette Coffey says she was disappointed that the new facility has 30 fewer beds than the old Waterford and no apparent space for outpatient services.

The director of mental health and addictions services at NLHS, Patrick Whelan, says the health authority is currently working on sourcing locations in the community through which they will provide outpatient services, administration and mental health programs.

He says they’re offering the programs in the community “to be closer to the patients we’re serving.”

He assures that there will be no reduction in community or outpatient mental health services, and in fact community mental health resources have increased dramatically to meet the need in recent years.