Psychiatry Program

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) will permanently close its addiction psychiatry program in December, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the community sector, which warns of “serious consequences.” This closure is expected to have a significant impact on neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where the need for such services has been increasingly critical.

MUHC’s communications department justifies the decision by stating that the program has been operating without modernization for many years. They argue that the treatments offered were very specific, addressing the needs of a limited number of patients. Closing the addiction psychiatry services will allow MUHC to improve access to specialized services and reduce emergency room wait times.

Community Reaction

The news has not been well received by community stakeholders. The decision has been called shortsighted, with arguments for adaptation rather than closure. Montreal’s need for McGill’s expertise in addiction psychiatry is emphasized, especially given that the MUHC’s program offers more complex and comprehensive resources compared to those currently available to community organizations. The MUHC plans to transfer its addiction experts to psychiatric programs dealing with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, to integrate the treatment of comorbid addictions.

Far-Reaching Consequences

Community actors are also concerned that they were not consulted. There is frustration over announcements being made once decisions are already finalized, with no prior consultation with community actors.

Various drugs, not just opioids, have caused recent overdoses. The closure will have severe consequences, with vulnerable people being the primary victims. Every time a service closes, it is considered dramatic, and the forced isolation due to the pandemic has exacerbated the overdose situation in Montreal. The overdose epidemic will not abate anytime soon unless patients are placed at the center of decision-making.

Patient Transition

MUHC’s communications department assures that the progressive closure over six months will allow current patients to complete their treatment. They will then be redirected to the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) or community organizations. However, this change could be very destabilizing for people with addictions, as rebuilding trust between patients and new caregivers is challenging.

Community organizations, already facing staff shortages, will likely be overwhelmed by increased demand. The closure will inevitably further burden existing resources. Employees are exhausted, and there is a lack of support and insufficient salaries.

The end of the addiction psychiatry program also means the end of peer mentorship at MUHC, where volunteer patients advise others in individual sessions. This type of mentorship is an essential part of the rehabilitation process, and its impact on users is well-recognized.

Looking Ahead

As the closure approaches, community organizations brace for the increased pressure. Demand will not decrease by December, and waitlists will not vanish. The erosion of resources is a tough reality on the ground.