Durham hospital introduces new mental health services amid community concerns over reduced care

Durham hospital is set to introduce new mental health and addiction services, following the loss of all inpatient beds and reduced emergency room hours earlier this year. The services will include counseling and psychiatric clinics, developed through a partnership with local health organizations. Community members express concern that these new services do not address their primary needs, which include restoring a full-time emergency room and inpatient beds. Local leaders emphasize the importance of having comprehensive hospital services available, especially during emergencies. The hospital's management states that the new mental health program will not replace the inpatient beds, as they continue efforts to recruit staff. However, the community remains anxious about the ongoing reduction in hospital services and the impact on local healthcare access.