The recruitment of three psychiatrists to the province will help maintain and improve access to timely, coordinated mental health services for Islanders, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“The MRSB report clearly shows that there is an access issue within the services provided to those requiring mental health and addictions support,” said Minister Currie. “Although we know access isn’t just about increasing the complement of professionals working in the system, the addition of these three new psychiatrists will provide more assistance to Islanders as government continues its work on a comprehensive, long-term strategy for mental health and addictions.”
Dr. Christine Beck and Dr. Abayomi Otusajo began work in the province in September.
Dr. Beck completed her medical degree in Sherbrooke, Quebec and just finished her residency training program at the University of Ottawa where she was Chief Psychiatry Resident in 2012.
Dr. Otusajo will be relocating from Berkshire, United Kingdom. He completed his medical education in Nigeria and received his psychiatry specialist training in the UK and has been working in the field for nine years.
Dr. Akinole Fanafosi completed his medical training in Nigeria and his specialty training in Ireland where he has been working for the past eight years. He will begin practising in PEI in early January.
“Mental health is an integral component of an individual’s overall health. We also know that one in five Islanders will experience mental health issues during their lifetime,” said the minister. “We know we need to transform the way mental health services are delivered in our province. That’s why Dr. Rhonda Matters, the province’s first Chief Mental Health and Addictions Officer, will provide a strategy to help us address gaps in the delivery of mental health and addictions services.”