Royal Jubilee Hospital opens new service for those with substance use challenges

The Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) has opened a new dedicated inpatient service for adults experiencing significant substance use challenges. 

The Support, Understand, Nurture (SUN) Pathway Beds service offers six beds and provides 24/7 care for individuals in acute crises related to substance use. 

Those in need of the SUN beds will also have access to 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.”

This service is staffed by a team of nurses, mental health workers and a social worker who will work collaboratively to assess, treat and stabilize patients. 

The aim of the service is to allow people to take the first steps toward recovery while receiving 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.”

Adults aged 19 and older will have access to the SUN Pathway Beds when they come to the RJH Emergency Department. 

The triage team will determine if they require assessment and support in relation to their substance use challenges and/or their mental health. 

Four inpatient beds opened June 1st in RJH’s acute medicine unit for those requiring longer stays, while two short-stay beds located in the emergency department have been available since April 2025.

Island Health says that once stabilized and ready for discharge, patients are to be connected with community resources for continuity of care.