Horizon Health Network disputes mental health wait times report

The Horizon Health Network takes issue with a recent report that put access within 48 hours to initial screening for mental health services at just eight per cent in the Fredericton and St. John River valley area, and only 23 per cent in the Saint John/Fundy area. 

• Wait times for mental health referrals longest in central N.B.
• Health council calls for standardized health services

The health network was asked last week to respond to the New Brunswick Health Council report on the variability in health services around the province.

On Wednesday, Jean Daigle, vice-president of community at Horizon, responsible for mental health and addictions services responded.

He said Horizon has set a target of a same-day appointment if the situation is urgent, or a screening within three business days for others. 

We likely have a hundred people who are waiting month-to-month in terms of access to ongoing clinical counselling services.- Jean Daigle, Horizon Health Network

"In Sept. 2015, our staff received 232 requests for service. Only 16 people, they weren't able to meet that target, so that's over 90 per cent in terms of what we're offering."

Daigle says not everyone who comes for help wants to be seen immediately.

He agrees, however, there is too much variability in the system around the province.

"I think when you look at this, it confirms to me when there is such a variance in the system, we have no system," said Daigle. He said the health network is working on meeting the benchmarks set for regional health authorities.

Anne Marie Hartford runs Family Enrichment and Counselling in Fredericton, a non-profit service that's been around since 1974.

In response to the health council report last week, she said even if people get timely access to an initial screening, there is still a long wait for treatment if you're not deemed suicidal.

"I know the mental health clinic has a huge waiting list. I would say six to nine months," said Hartford.

Daigle agrees that long-term mental health support, when counselling is needed, continues to be a challenge for the system and he says the health network is working to improve wait times.

"So when you talk about getting people some access, I can tell you within Horizon we likely have a hundred people who are waiting month-to-month in terms of access to ongoing clinical counselling services.

He says the system is "stagnated" due to the large number of people requesting service and a lack of professional resources.

"We are blocked to some extent in terms of timeliness of access to psychiatrists and psychologists … in terms of filling some vacancies in the province."

According to the health network, Horizon is currently seeking four psychiatrists and eight psychologists.