A news release was just issued by the Fraser Health Authority regarding the successful candidates to build new complex care, mental health and substance abuse beds in the Tri-Cities/Surrey/South Surrey area. What follows below is a copy of the news release:
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October 04, 2013
SURREY–Fraser Health is pleased to announce the successful candidates to build 403 Residential Complex Care and 24 Mental Health and Substance Use beds for the Tri-Cities/Surrey/South Surrey. Identified as communities in particular need of new capacity due to rapid population growth, especially of seniors, these projects will increase Fraser Health’s capacity by 427 beds. 
The successful projects are:
- Foyer Maillard 80 new residential complex care beds
- Evergreen Baptist 92 new residential complex care beds
- Elim Housing Society 95 new residential complex care beds
- Baltic Properties 136 new residential complex care beds and 24 mental health and substance use beds, for a total of 160 beds.
The significant pressure placed on the acute care hospitals in the region will be reduced as residents will be able to move through the system faster and more efficiently. “We expect the population of the region to grow by 20% by the year 2020, most of which will be seniors aged 75 and older,” says Keith McBain, Executive Director for Residential Care and Assisted Living at Fraser Health. “This initiative is intended to increase capacity and play an important role in reducing congestion within Fraser Health’s acute care sites.”
Also identified was a need for more services to treat adults aged 19 and over with serious and persistent mental health issues. “Individuals with mental health issues often have complex care needs and cannot safely live on their own or with their families,” says Andy Libbiter, Executive Director for Mental Health and Substance Use programs at Fraser Health. “These individuals may also have concurrent substance use challenges, and best evidence indicates that an integrated ‘community solution’ is required to address their needs.”
