THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE

There has been an increased demand for psychiatric service since the advent of the regional clinic, and a wider service has been given than was previously possible. Utilization of service has been the greatest nearer the clinic. There has been a reduction in mental hospital admissions by one-half in two of the three health units served. The incidence of suicide has not been altered. The service depends greatly on other professional resources. The only limitation on the admission of cases to the psychiatric unit in the general hospital has been on the basis of their willingness to remain voluntarily, though this term is very broadly interpreted. Hospital care has not always been needed even for the acute psychotic or relapsing psychotic cases. Service has been the key to both professional and community acceptance of regional development.

The initial population served has been 150,000 people, and this is far too many for one regional development. At the end of the year other provision was made for Kamloops and the South Central Health Unit. The greatest problem presented has been for the psychiatrist to get away from calls for additional demands for service in his free time. This service, to be effective, requires the development of new resources, such as more foster homes, group living homes, residential treatment centres for children, sheltered workshops and more hospital beds. The mental health clinic belongs thoroughly to the region it serves. The direction and pace of further development can be determined by the citizens of the region. There is much greater reliance on human resources than upon bricks and mortar.