Queensway Carleton Hospital opens new inpatient mental health unit
A new mental health inpatient unit has officially opened its doors at The Queensway Carleton Hospital.
The new inpatient unit at the Barbara Crook and Dan Greenberg Mental Health Centre is located one floor above the original mental health area and is now double the size of its original footprint.
“It’s a really open, well lit, therapeutic space that’s conducive to healing for people who are in the worst mental health crisis of their life,” Dr. Andrew Falconer, QCH President & CEO told CTV News Ottawa.
Along with adding a brand new four-bed psychiatric intensive care unit, the space also features a secure outdoor courtyard for patients, additional areas for exercise and a comfort room flooded with natural light. The 24 regular patient rooms are now all private.
“This expansion has been a long time coming, with years of planning, fundraising and preparations. It’s quite exciting to see the first phase of this project completed, especially for the patients who will benefit from what our new inpatient unit has to offer,” Falconer said in a news release.
More than 12,600 patients received mental health care at QCH, according to the hospital; that’s up 18 per cent from three years ago. QCH adds that patients also have conditions that are more serious that require treatment that is more complex.
“Today we’re 117 per cent occupied in our (old) unit downstairs, so two more beds occupied than what we’re funded for, and that’s a regular occurrence,” said Lianne Learmonth, QCH Clinical Director.
“We’ve made good progress as a community and as a society in speaking about mental health challenges and I think today is a great reflection on how far we’ve come and the care we can provide patients,” said Learmonth.
Through the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation’s Hopes Rising campaign, $6 million was donated over the course of six years to support the initiative. The project received $9 million in funding from the Ministry of Health.
The original mental health floor will be remodeled for mental health outpatient services, with the entire renovation and expansion of the Barbara Crook and Dan Greenberg Mental Health Centre set to be fully completed later next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.