Veterans and military personnel struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder will soon benefit from expanded services in London.
St. Joseph's Health Care announced on Thursday its Operational Stress Injury Clinic (OSIC) at the Parkwood Institute is being doubled in size from 2400 sq ft to 4200 sq ft.
The decision was made to expand the facility as a way to address growing demand for mental health services. Health officials say the number of referrals to the OSIC has jumped 46% in the past two years.
“PTSD is one of several persistent psychological difficulties, otherwise known as operational stress injuries (OSI), military and RCMP personnel can develop as a result of duties performed during their service,” says OSIC psychologist Dr. Charles Nelson. “Many of our clients also face a major depressive disorder, substance abuse or general anxiety and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Proper clinical treatment is key to their recovery.”
The bigger facility will allow the OSIC to enhance its research capabilities in the area of military-related PTSD. It's also hoped more clinical staff will be hired to accommodate the influx of patients following the expansion.
Construction, which begins this fall, is expected to be completed by spring 2017.