Staff shortage leads to temporary closure of P.A. psychiatric intake

A shortage of a full-time child and youth psychiatrist in Prince Albert is causing the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to pause new admissions to the child and youth inpatient mental health and psychiatric unit.

SHA said in a news release that at least one full-time position is needed to safely manage and support the operation of the inpatient unit. The area’s only child and youth psychiatrist is resigning effective Aug. 6 but SHA said it is working to recruit for the open position so the unit can open again as soon as possible.

“We would like to assure patients and families that meeting the care needs of current and discharged inpatients requiring ongoing follow-up and care as well as of those receiving outpatient care and on the waitlist will continue to take priority,” stated Andrew McLetchie, SHA’s vice-president of integrated northern health.

“The mental health, safety, and well-being of children and youth in the north, and across Saskatchewan, through timely, appropriate access to mental health resources and clinical support, is a high priority.”

Two mental health emergency holding beds will be maintained in Prince Albert to support children and youths awaiting urgent child-youth inpatient admission in Saskatoon or Regina. Adolescents 17 and 18 years of age requiring inpatient care will be temporarily managed in the Prince Albert adult unit with one-on-one support.

The SHA said it is actively looking to fill two full-time child and youth psychiatry positions in Prince Albert for the North East Child and Youth Mental Health and Psychiatry Program.