This clinic at the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre is for patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The clinic is a regional resource for all of Fraser Health.
Contemporary electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective medical procedure which produces a therapeutic seizure by stimulating the brain with brief electrical impulses through the scalp while the patient is under sedation. ECT is used to treat psychiatric conditions when immediate relief of symptoms is needed or when other treatments have not been successful.
ECT may be recommended for individuals with:
- Severe depression
- Mania
- Schizophrenia
- Other illness that haven’t responded to medications or psychotherapy
We have a dedicated care team that specializes in ECT to provide treatment and care. We can treat up to 14 patients per day.
The clinic has been designed as a standalone clinic to provide dignity and privacy for patients and families. The waiting area is a dedicated space adjacent to the main outpatient reception area.
The centre is set up as a circuit to improve patient flow, with a change area, treatment bays, dedicated recovery space, and post-recovery area. The intake nurse provides assessments and education for patients and families. There is a patient change room where patients can change and store their belongings. After their procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery room with four stretcher bays. They then move to a post-recovery room with lounge chairs before discharge.
Access
Referral
Referrals are made through the hospital or a mental health and substance use centre. If you would like to access services at the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre from the community, contact your local community mental health centre or your family doctor.
For referrals to ECT services at other Fraser Health sites, please contact the regional ECT coordinator at 604-520-4253 ext. 523110.
If you are a private physician or patient who needs an ECT consult or referral form, please contact the ECT nurse line at 604-527-2903 or the Royal Columbian Hospital Outpatient desk at 604-520-4662.