The program is currently in transition as patients are transferred to community facilities developed by the provincial health authorities under the Riverview Redevelopment Project. For more information on the project click here.

The Geriatric Psychiatry Program at Riverview Hospital provides assessment and treatment services for inpatients as well as outpatient consultation services. Patients often have needs relating to end-stage of a dementing illness with severe chronic psychiatric and chronic multiple medical conditions.

Currently there are approximately 170 patients in the program, which has six wards, all located in the Valleyview Building. There is no wait list for admission to any of the Geriatric Program wards.

Visiting Hours

Normal visiting hours at Valleyview are from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm. First-time visitors are asked to check in at the Information Desk on the main floor for directions to the appropriate ward.

Admissions & Referrals

Admissions are primarily for treatment and stabilization of chronic illness management/dementia. The average length of stay for new admissions to the Geriatric Program is six to 12 weeks. This reflects a policy to admit patients with clear discharge expectations with the referring health authority. Discharge planning commences with admission to ensure all patients are returned to the community with comprehensive care plans in place.

Detailed admission criteria are available here.