Health and Social Services

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Third Psychiatrist to Join Yukon’s Mental Health Services

For Release # 08-320
December 19, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Yukon will be getting a third psychiatrist in March 2009, announced Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart.

Dr. Pauweliena Laureijs has signed a three-year contract to provide psychiatric services to continuing care, mental health services and several rural Yukon communities.

“The call for mental health services has increased in Yukon, and we are pleased we have been able to attract this well-qualified physician,” Hart said. “Responding to Yukoners’ mental heath needs is an important part of our health care system.”

Laureijs said she was looking forward to starting work in Yukon.

“I am impressed with the Yukon government’s commitment to provide care to residents who have complicated mental health challenges,” Laureijs said. “Clearly, part of the Yukon government’s mandate is to facilitate access to psychiatric care for its residents.”

Laureijs is currently a mental health practitioner in Sydney, Nova Scotia where she provides care to seniors in nursing homes, in the community and to in-patients at the local hospital. She trained at Dalhousie University.