COUNTY - The outbreak of H1N1 in the community has prompted South Shore Health to cancel some outpatient mental health services and community-based addiction services.

 Vice-president of clinical services Sandy Christie said only those patients whose appointments were able to be put off have been postponed. She said anyone that was not able to wait for mental health or addictions treatment are still being seen.

 "They are still seeing people that are urgent," said Ms Christie. "The ones who they can defer for a little bit, they are."

 Ms Christie said it was important to redirect social workers to the vaccine clinics for psychosocial services. She said staff and patients are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress surrounding the limited supply of the H1N1 vaccine.

 "Public health staff have had a lot of added stress in dealing with the challenge of doing targeted groups rather than having an open clinic," said Ms Christie. "Having people around with mental health experience with excellent counselling and community skills have been useful."

 Ms Christie added that clients seeking vaccinations are also experiencing an increase in anxiety around issues relating to a limited supply.

posted on 11/17/09