COQUITLAM – As the last patient is transferred out of Riverview Hospital, New Democrat health critic Mike Farnworth says British Columbia needs a comprehensive plan for the site that is focussed on mental health.

“The situation at Riverview is sadly emblematic of the Liberal direction on health care in general, and mental health specifically,” said Farnworth. “Riverview is closed and people are left to wonder what’s next.

“What advocates and experts have told us for years is that British Columbia needs more treatment facilities and those Riverview lands are well suited for that purpose.”

Farnworth said that local residents are supportive of the continued use of those lands for mental health facilities – which is in sharp contrast to finding a new facility and having to address concerns of local residents unsure of what might be springing up in their neighbourhood.

“There is a real worry that these sites will be developed for other purposes,” said Farnworth, “and if we lose them, they’re lost forever. The foot-dragging by the Liberals has only added to the uncertainty surrounding these lands.”

After nearly 100 years in operation, Riverview will see its last patient transferred out Friday. The population in the hospital has dwindled over the years as individual units closed down. Since announcing a now-discredited plan to convert the facility into condos in 2007, the government has taken little action to solidify to the situation at Riverview.

“We’ve heard too many stories about people having difficulty accessing mental health care in this province,” said Farnworth. “Leaving this uncertainty around the Riverview lands is not helping those people get the treatment they need.”