Grey Bruce Health Services is looking to implement a child and adolescent psychiatry program.
GBHS President and CEO Maureen Solecki says they are partnering with Keystone Youth and Child Services and The Grey Bruce Community Health Corporation for the pilot project.
Chief of Staff and Anaesthesiologist Doctor Bob Severs says they are in talks with a specialized child psychiatrist, with the hope of getting a team together for the program.
Doctor Severs says the psychiatrist has expressed interest in coming on board as a consultant, before considering a full time position at the Owen Sound Hospital.
He notes the Owen Sound hospital has not had a child and adolescent psychiatrist for about 20 years now, which he calls a major gap in service in Grey and Bruce.
Doctor Severs explains that child psychiatry experts are a very specialized group, and thus hard to come by in many regions.
He tells Bayshore Broadcasting News that children and adolescents experience many of the same stresses as adults, but may not be as equipped to deal with it.
Doctor Severs also points to a high teen suicide rate in Canada as a clear indication that a program like this is needed.
Doctor Severs says this pilot project – which is funded through the Southwest LHIN – will run through the spring of 2012.
