Reductions in mental health staff on the Sunshine Coast will not mean a drop in service levels, according to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
"We're confident that this isn't going to result in any loss of services to patients on the Sunshine Coast," VCH public affairs director Gavin Wilson said in an interview Wednesday. "There are still staff resources to meet the needs."
Three positions in the area of geriatric psychiatry are affected by the changes, Wilson said. One occupational therapist is being laid off, one retiring nurse's position will not be filled, and one social worker will take on a shared role with St. Mary's Hospital in Sechelt, he said.
The changes follow a service review that found the Coast was overstaffed in geriatric psychiatry, while Powell River needed more resources in the same area, Wilson said.
"These positions were being under-utilized," he said, "and in Powell River they are under-resourced."
Funding for the positions will be transferred to Powell River to hire a new social worker, occupational therapist and licensed practical nurse, all to work with the elderly, Wilson said.
News of the changes came to light during last month's regional policing committee meeting as part of Sunshine Coast RCMP Staff Sgt. Herb Berdahl's summary report.
Mental Health Act files have consumed an increasing amount of police time since the beginning of 2012, and Berdahl said the detachment is concerned by the cutbacks and will be monitoring the possible long-term effects on the community.
Wilson said VCH understands the RCMP's concerns, but no impact on policing is anticipated due to the staff changes.
