APU closure a shock
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Updated: November 18, 2009 3:32 PM
I am writing to express my shock and concern about the closing of the APU (Adolescent Psychiatric Unit) at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
When I read the letter written by Bruce Dugdale it brought me to tears.
Our son was one of those teenagers who stayed at the APU last year.
His friends and family will attest to the fact he was at a critical point in his life, and when he was finally willing to get help, the APU was there to take him in and work with him.
In just a short two-week span, we saw huge improvement in his mental and emotional health.
The staff that worked with him was excellent.
The fact the adolescent unit was in a different area from the adult unit was critical, I think, in the teenagers being able to feel somewhat comfortable in their surroundings.
If this unit had not been available during this time, I am not so sure our son would still be with us today.
When my son read Bruce’s letter about them closing the APU, he was ticked off, because he knows of other teens that need the help of the APU.
It seems a shame we have this facility and services that are meeting these specific needs of our teenagers, and yet it has been decided priorities should go elsewhere.
Sheila Krahn
