The union that represents some Prince Edward Island health-care workers is speaking out against plans to move the province’s only child and youth psychiatric unit.

Staff raised concerns that the planned relocation of the unit later this year from Charlottetown’s Hillsborough Hospital to a location near the adult mental health emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital could traumatize the youth.

The unit is expected to remain in the QEH until the province’s new mental health and addictions campus is opened. As of now, the timeline for its completion is expected by 2028.

Karen Jackson, president of the P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees, said she’s heard concerns about safety of youth in the unit, which cares for children aged six to 17. She said the psychologists and nurses she has met with are worried about the youth and adult units sharing spaces like washrooms and showers.

“This is the only child and youth psychiatric unit on the Island and it should be a high priority for the government because they’re servicing a very vulnerable population,” Jackson said. 

“Our frontline workers are the ones that deliver the service. They best know the programs, and they would not be bringing these concerns forward unless they felt it was serious enough.”

WATCH | Staff, union criticize psychiatric unit moving into QEH:

Staff, union criticize child psychiatric unit moving into QEH

Health P.E.I. is moving the child and youth psychiatric unit from the Hillsborough Hospital. The plan is to put it next to the adult mental health emergency department in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital — which is drawing criticism from staff and their union. CBC’s Cody MacKay explains.

A letter to the union, attributed to the child and youth psychiatric unit’s staff, outlines “grave concerns” about the relocation. 

“CYPU staff have consistently and repeatedly expressed concern to mental health and addictions leadership regarding this intended move,” it reads. 

“While some concerns have been addressed, we continue to have serious safety concerns for the physical and mental health safety of patients and staff which have not been addressed.”

Staff also wrote that the change “will increase the likelihood of emotional and physical dysregulation of patients” that could result in potential physical harm to patients and staff.

“There is a high potential for the young patients to be exposed to traumatizing communication from/action by these adults,” the letter reads, adding that staff in the mental health emergency room have said the noise from adult patients can last for hours. 

“Although these staff have the benefit of being able to leave the unit at the end of their shift, the children and youth on the proposed new CYPU will not have that option.”

Jackson said the staff concerns are “valid,” and that some have indicated they may leave if the unit is moved to the QEH.

“We don’t want to lose these valuable staff, either, that have been working in this unit for 20-plus years, some of them,” she said. “We can’t afford to lose any more health-care workers.”

Health P.E.I. said in a statement that it is “committed to providing safe, high-quality mental health care for Island youth.” It says the new until will be fully separate from the adult department and that the two areas “do not share sightlines or patient spaces.”

“The new space is bright, modern, and designed to enhance safety for both patients and staff,” the statement reads.

“While smaller than the current unit, it includes a dedicated family meeting room, with additional meeting spaces available throughout the QEH.”

The statement says a multipurpose space will be available for recreation and there will be processes to ensure the youth have access to outdoor spaces.

The health authority said the unit will include staff workspace and private space to meet with patients and notes the relocation plans have involved staff “input throughout the process.”

“Health P.E.I. remains focused on ensuring a safe, supportive environment for youth and families as this transition moves forward.”