P.E.I. mental health campus questioned over how it will improve access to care

Opposition MLAs pressed officials on whether the new P.E.I. mental health campus will improve access to care, and Health P.E.I. said a mental health and transitions building is planned to open this fall with full campus completion targeted for 2028.

Opposition MLAs questioned provincial health officials about how a new mental health campus will change access to care for Islanders. The discussion took place at a standing committee meeting where lawmakers raised concerns about service gaps. Liberal MLA Carolyn Simpson spoke about losing her husband to suicide and said she felt the system did not listen when she sought help for him. Health P.E.I. officials described work with families and program changes aimed at improving access, especially for children and youth. Key points: - Opposition MLAs asked how the new campus will improve access to services across the province. - Liberal MLA Carolyn Simpson reported a personal loss and said family advocacy did not secure needed help in her case. - Rebecca Jesseman of Health P.E.I. said the authority is working with families and looking to expand child and youth program access and family involvement. - Officials said a mental health and transitions building is planned to open this fall, with the full campus expected to be completed by 2028. Summary: The committee exchange highlighted ongoing concerns from MLAs and family advocates about timely access to mental health services. Health P.E.I. described current work with families and a phased opening of the campus, noting a transitions building due this fall and an overall completion target of 2028. Officials identified those openings as the next scheduled steps.