Review of IWK and Capital Health Policies to Begin

The province has appointed an independent and nationally recognized expert to review the IWK Health Centre and Capital Health mental health and addictions programs, services, and policies as they relate to the events surrounding the death of a student.

Dr. Jana Davidson will begin the review immediately.

Dr. Davidson is vice-president Medical Affairs and psychiatrist in chief of children's and women's mental health programs at the Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, head, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program and clinical professor Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Davidson is president-elect of the Association of Professors of Child Psychiatry Canada.

The review supports the recommendations from the external review of the Halifax Regional School Board's handling of the Rehtaeh Parsons case.

"We remain committed to working with families, communities and agencies to ensure we have comprehensive, consistent, and high-quality services for survivors of sexual violence and their families," said Marilyn More, lead Minister for the Action Team on Sexual Violence and Bullying.

"We've already received a report on Halifax Regional School Board actions. Now we will look at the policies in place at the IWK Health Centre and Capital Health to gain a fuller picture of this situation, to ensure the best quality care for patients and their loved ones."

The external review is an evaluation of the mental health and addictions services available to youth who are having difficulties with sexual assault, sexuality, addictions, peer relationships, bullying and cyber-bullying.

Dr. Davidson will:

• determine if current treatment and counselling services for victims of sexual assault and bullying meet the needs of youth
• examine existing IWK policies, procedures and guidelines for patient assessment, triage, referral, treatment and follow-up care
• examine current IWK policies, procedures and guidelines for follow-up where youth are assessed to be at risk of self-harm or suicide, where this risk is not at a level that requires hospitalization
• look at policies, procedures and guidelines that are in place to educate and support families
• determine if current IWK and Capital Health policies promote effective collaboration between the IWK, Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team and youth health centres serving young people.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with government on this review," said Anne McGuire, president and CEO, IWK Health Centre. "Children and youth-at-risk in Nova Scotia need an integrated system of supports to be assured the best mental health and addictions treatment possible. We recognize the important role we play in that system, and we are supportive of exploring any opportunities to enhance the treatment of mental illness for our young people and their families."

A final report is expected Sept. 30. The report will make specific recommendations to address any gaps in current programs, services, policies, procedures and guidelines within the IWK and Capital Health and give recommendations on changes needed to more effectively help youth living with mental health and addictions issues.

Dr. Davidson will report to Minister of Health and Wellness David Wilson and to Ms. More.