VICTORIA — British Columbia's auditor general says mentally ill adults with a long history of hospitalization and substance abuse issues need more access to services.
Carol Bellringer says there's a lack of information about wait lists and whether programs meet the needs of the most vulnerable patients.
She says mental health and substance abuse services that were once available at Riverview Hospital have been transferred to health authorities but there are gaps in programs.
Bellringer says some people who suffer from serious mental health and substance abuse issues plus brain injury, developmental disabilities and extreme violence may not be well served.
She's calling on the Health Ministry to take leadership in setting a direction for service delivery and enhancing collaboration among health authorities for more consistent access across the province.
Bellringer says gaps in services are compounded by a lack of housing when patients are discharged and pressures on other parts of the medical system, such as emergency rooms.
