The Manitoba government has hired 17 psychiatrists this year, expanding access to specialized mental health care in hospitals and adding capacity across the system.
“We want to make sure Manitobans can get care for their mental health when they need it,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Too often, people in crisis end up in the emergency room because they have nowhere else to turn. By hiring new psychiatrists, we’re improving access to care for patients.”
Of the 17 psychiatrists, 14 will work primarily in Winnipeg and three at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. Adding these physicians increases capacity to assess and treat more patients, strengthens access to psychiatric care across the system and helps reduce pressure on emergency departments, the premier noted.
“When someone is struggling with their mental health, they should be able to get the right care from the right team, whether that is in their community or in a hospital,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “More specialized care for patients means more supports in the public health system that can respond earlier, provide better continuity of care and take pressure off the places Manitobans turn when they have nowhere else to go.”
“Expanding mental health supports is a crucial part of meeting Manitobans where they are and supporting them in a more comprehensive way,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. “Mental health professionals play an essential role in creating a holistic and medically-led approach to ending chronic homelessness and leading Manitobans towards a path of recovery. Our government is grateful for the vital work being done for Manitobans across our health-care system.”
The new psychiatrists will work across hospital and community-based mental health services, supporting assessment, treatment and follow-up care for Manitobans with a range of mental health needs. The three psychiatrists based in Selkirk will strengthen psychiatric services and specialized care in the region through the Selkirk Mental Health Centre.
“These new psychiatrists bring a range of expertise, including in child and adolescent and geriatric psychiatry, while filling many of the vacancies that existed across the system,” said Dr. James Bolton, provincial medical specialty lead, mental health and addictions, Shared Health. “Their arrival will allow more patients to be seen and help improve timely access to assessment and treatment. We’re very pleased that these physicians have chosen to build their careers within Manitoba’s public health system, strengthening the care available to patients across the province.”
These hirings also build on the Manitoba government’s efforts to grow and retain its psychiatric workforce, the ministers noted. Several of the psychiatrists hired this year trained in Manitoba, where residency opportunities provide experience across urban, rural and northern communities, and expose physicians to a range of psychiatric practice.
“Training in Manitoba was pivotal in my decision to build my career here,” said Dr. Kylee Lewis, psychiatrist, Selkirk Mental Health Centre. “During my residency, I worked with outstanding mentors, gained experience in both rural and northern communities, and became part of a welcoming, collaborative psychiatry community. These experiences showed me the opportunity to build a rewarding and varied practice while making a real difference for patients. Choosing to work at Selkirk Mental Health Centre allows me to care for the community where I live and I’m excited to help improve access to mental health services for people across the Interlake-Eastern region.”
