Mental Health at GBGH We Need Your Voice
We See You.
We see individuals waiting in crisis.
We see families searching for answers.
We see healthcare teams doing everything they can with the resources available today.
And we see a solution that is ready to move forward.
For more than a decade, Georgian Bay General Hospital has been working toward making acute mental health services more accessible. Today, we have an Ontario Health-endorsed proposal for a new mental health program and specialized space at GBGH—but we are still awaiting the next stage of Ministry of Health approval.
Your voice can help demonstrate the importance of this project to our community.
Why This Matters
Mental Health Care Can't Wait
Patients seeking acute mental health care at GBGH often face some of the longest waits in the region because GBGH does not currently have acute mental health beds. Many patients remain in the Emergency Department for extended periods while waiting for specialized care elsewhere.
This adds pressure to the entire Emergency Department, increasing wait times for all patients.
In January 2026, there were multiple days where six to eight patients waited more than 140 hours for access to an acute mental health bed. Currently, only 19% of mental health patients at GBGH receive access to an appropriate bed within 12 hours, while 58% wait more than 24 hours.
Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community that deserves access to timely, compassionate care.
The Solution
A Plan That's Ready to Move Forward
GBGH has submitted a proposal endorsed by Ontario Health that includes:
- A 40,000-square-foot addition
- 16 acute mental health beds
- 8 specialized geriatric mental health beds
- A day treatment program
- Outpatient mental health services
Together, We Can Move Forward
The community has already stepped forward by supporting the We See You campaign.
Now, we’re asking for something equally important: your voice.
Together, we can help ensure mental health care remains a priority and advocate for the services our community needs.
Please share your story today.
How You Can Help
Add Your Voice
For more than a decade, our community has waited for progress on this important project.
We believe local voices matter.
By sharing your story with us, we can demonstrate the importance of mental health services for North Simcoe families in our advocacy efforts. You can choose to share your name or remain anonymous (just note this as part of your submission).
Tell us why improving access to mental health care matters to your, your family and your loved ones.
