Phoenix Centre adds five beds in youth detox wing

KAMLOOPS — Day One Society (D1S) expanded the capacity of its youth detox wing at Phoenix Centre over the winter.

Since five additional beds opened on Feb. 15, 2024, D1S says 11 youth have been served over a six-week period. In a news release issued Tuesday (April 16), D1S says the single-occupancy beds serve youth aged 24 and under while the east wing of the Phoenix Centre’s inpatient facility provides them with specialized care.

“Young individuals often don’t perceive themselves in need of specialized care such as in-patient detox,” Sian Lewis, executive director of D1S says. “Compared to older clients, they might not have experienced as many negative consequences, and their health is not as compromised. However, it is crucial for youth to know that these services are available and that we provide care tailored to their age and phase of development.”

While the youth detox beds were ready in the summer of 2023, DS1 says a lack of healthcare and nursing professionals prevented the opening of the youth-specific wing. DS1 says it was still able to care for the youth by placing them in the 20-bed adult wing with enhanced safety protocols and privacy considerations.

D1S says its need for additional licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses remains critical.

“We remain hopeful about filling our last three vacant nursing positions and attracting more casual staff,” Lewis says.

D1S is continuing its offer of a $20,000 signing bonus to registered nurses, psychiatric nurses and licensed practical nurses who accept a full-time position for a minimum of two years.