Adults experiencing significant substance use challenges now have access to a new, dedicated inpatient service at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH). The Support, Understand, Nurture (SUN) Pathway Beds, a six-bed service, provides 24/7 care for individuals in acute crisis related to substance use, with additional support for behavioural and mental health needs when required.
“People experiencing complex substance use challenges need a safe, supportive environment where they can stabilize, connect with care and begin their recovery journey,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Support, Understand, Nurture Pathway Beds provide that foundation, ensuring individuals receive compassionate, timely support that meets them where they are.”
The new service is staffed by a dedicated team of nurses, mental health workers and a social worker who work together to quickly assess, treat and stabilize patients. This approach supports people in taking the first steps toward recovery while ensuring they receive safe, high-quality care in a hospital setting.
“Island Health is committed to meeting all patients where they are — with compassion, respect, and dignity,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health Board Chair. “This new service is a powerful example of how we can support individuals in crisis with timely, connected care that helps them begin their path to healing.”
The SUN Pathway Beds are open to adults aged 19 and older who come to the RJH Emergency Department for a medical need and also require assessment and support in relation to their substance use disorder and/or their mental health. The service includes four inpatient beds that opened June 1 on the hospital’s 5S acute medicine unit for individuals requiring longer stays, and two short-stay beds located within the emergency department, available since April 2025.
“The Support, Understand, Nurture Pathway Beds are a compassionate response to a complex issue,” said Lisa Diamond, Director, Clinical Service Delivery. “This service means we can intervene earlier and more effectively, giving people the support they need to engage in attaining stability and moving towards recovery.”
Once stabilized and ready for discharge, patients are connected with community resources for continuity of care. This may include medication management, access to treatment programs and follow-up with outreach and mental health workers.
People experiencing a severe mental health and/or substance use emergency or crisis should always dial 9-1-1 or visit their nearest emergency department. Crisis services are also available:
- Call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888 to access 24-hour crisis support
- Text the Vancouver Island Crisis line at 250-800-3806 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly
- Call or text the Community-Led Crisis Response Team Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 - 9 p.m. at 250-818-2454.
- Online chat crisis service from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly via VI Crisis
- Call BC211 at 2-1-1 to reach an information specialist 24 hours a day, or visit BC 211
- Dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to get help right away, any time
- Call KUU-US Crisis line at 1-800-588-8717 to access 24-hour Indigenous specific crisis support
For non-emergencies related to substance use, please call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824. This Island Health line is answered by 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week. Should someone call after hours, callers may leave a message and will be contacted within 24 hours.
The service is funded through the B.C. Government’s Road to Recovery initiative—a provincial strategy to help people move smoothly through every stage of healing from substance use, from detox to treatment and long-term care. The goal is to reduce gaps in the system and provide people with the support they need, when they need it.
Additional Resources:
- Get Support Now
- Drug & Alcohol Use Support (Access Central)