Prince Rupert has been without psychiatric service for many years, but Northern Health confirmed on June 2 that work is underway that would see a practicing psychiatrist in the community by the end of the year.
“We can confirm that a doctor has accepted the position of psychiatrist in Prince Rupert. The choice was between the Pacific Northwestern United States and here and he chose Prince Rupert,” explained Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins.
“Given that he is coming from out of country, from the U.S., there is a process to be followed to be able to work in Canada, it’s not as simple as ‘you’re hired, here’s when you start’. That work is taking place with our Northwest medical officer and our addictions and mental health department. Assuming it is a smooth process, he would arrive in Prince Rupert this fall. We’re very optimistic about it and are looking forward to having that position filled.”
While no start date has been set for the arrival of the doctor, Collins said Northern Health hopes to have a clearer idea of a start date closer to the end of summer.
Mental health and addictions was one of the key priorities for the North Coast identified by municipal and First Nations leaders in many of the Community to Community forums.