Fraser Health moves to centralize crisis lines
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Updated: November 20, 2009 2:23 PM
Three existing mental health crisis phone lines will be merged into a single regional program in the latest cost-cutting measure announced by Fraser Health.
The health region has opted not to renew the existing contracts with Surrey Community Services as well as two other agencies based in Mission and Coquitlam.
Bids are instead being sought to operate a consolidated service that's to be launched April 1.
"There will be savings, but we don't know what they will be," said Fraser Health spokesperson Joan Marshall, who said Fraser Health will have a better idea of cost savings after reviewing responses to its request for proposals through the BC Bid procurement process.
The new centralized service will still run 24 hours, seven days a week, officials say.
In a press release, Fraser Health's executive director of Mental Health an Addiction Services, Lois Dixon, said Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has achieved efficiencies with a centralized service without affecting callers, who will also benefit from standardization of the service.
“Who provides the service and how it is provided will change,” Dixon said. "We are committed to ensuring individuals who need this type of mental health support and crisis intervention can access service when they need it."
SCS's South Fraser Regional Crisis Line handled 18,000 calls a year, serving Surrey, White Rock, Delta and Langley.
Share Family and Community Services, which operates the crisis line for the Tri Cities, New Westminster and Burnaby, said the locally run crisis lines are a valuable training ground for social services volunteers.
The new service provider is expected to continue using volunteers.
As well as a new centralized crisis line, individuals will continue to have access to the After Hours Mental Health Service (1-877-384-8062), Car 67 in Surrey, Delta Mental Health/Police partnership and psychiatric liaison nurses in emergency rooms at acute care hospitals.
– with files from Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News
