Virtual Psychiatric Unit (VPU)

Mental Health - Adult & Senior

Provided by Fraser Health

Provides 24 hour nursing support through virtual interactions and regular psychiatric support.
The VPU allows patients to receive 24/7 hospital-level psychiatric interventions, safely and conveniently, from the comfort of their own home. Using a combination of remote patient monitoring and home visits, the unit’s multidisciplinary health care team aims to allow for earlier supported discharges from traditional inpatient psychiatry units.

Care is provided to patients through use of innovative technologies, such as iPads for virtual video visits, and remote patient monitoring devices for vital sign readings. While receiving hospital intervention from their home, patients have the ability to continue with their day-to-day activities, while focusing on their recovery goals. VPU services include:
  • Access to 24/7 Nursing Care – scheduled appointments & the ability to contact VPU directly by phone at any time
  • Family and Natural Supports are included into patients care
  • Allied health services: Occupational Therapists, Recreation Therapist, Social Workers, Peer Support Workers, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Pharmacist, and Physicians for medical care needs
  • Receive medical procedures in the hospital as needed such as: Lab, ECG, EEG, Medical Imaging, Clozapine starts, ECT starts or maintenance
  • Referrals to Community Mental Health Teams & Community Supports initiated for post discharge follow up
  • Scheduled or urgent home visits as clinically indicated
  • Escalation of care back to traditional hospital setting if required – we follow existing MHSU Access and Flow Processes


Eligibility Criteria:
  • Patient must be age 18 +
  • Patient must meet MHSU Acute Care Level of Observation (LOO) Level 3
  • Patient must not be at acute or imminent risk of harm to self or others
  • Patient must voluntarily agree to participate in the Virtual Psychiatry Unit
  • Patient must have a safe home environment and privacy for virtual visits
  • Patient must be Voluntary
  • Can be referred from the Emergency Department and IPU
  • Pt must have address residing in Fraser Health Region
  • Patient must have access to personal email address (used for virtual visits with health care team)

604-572-2671

Cost: No cost

Referral options:

  • Health Authority personnel referral
Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Fraser Health:

Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!
Availability

Service area: Fraser Health Area

Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
  • Provided online: email / video / on-line

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

Click anywhere to close