Psychiatric Emergency Services

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) is a specialized unit located within the Emergency Departments at both the General and Civic campuses. It is designed to assess individuals in crisis who are experiencing a psychiatric illness.

PES is a small, secure, low-stimulation space equipped with safety features such as closed-circuit cameras and panic alarms to help protect both patients and staff. Patients are assessed by a multidisciplinary team, and based on their needs, may be referred to other mental health services such as Inpatient Services, Outpatient Services, the Urgent Consultation Clinic, or other specialized clinics.

Most patients are referred to PES by emergency physicians. However, a fast-track process is available for individuals already known to The Ottawa Hospital who do not have overriding medical problems.