B.C.'s major psychiatric care facility is about to expand. A new 20-bed unit will be built at Riverview Hospital in Port Coquitlam to house patients who are difficult to place in community residential treatment programs.

The $1.5-million pilot project will provide care for mental health patients who have needs that fall between community care initiatives, and permanent hospitalization.

The new facility will feature residential-style care, with 24-hour supervision for patients with serious mental illness.

Riverview CEO Marion Suski says the project is designed to feel less institutional for the patients. "Today they are patients, but we are trying to help them to become residents of their own home."

The expansion marks the first new construction on the Riverview grounds since the 1950's.

The specialized psychiatric hospital has been in operation since 1913. It currently provides care to 750-800 patients.

Related link: Riverview Hospital information page