THUNDER BAY — Three years after construction began, and about nine months after the date that was originally anticipated, the new mental health wing at St. Joseph's hospital has opened.
The $56-million East Wing accommodates 38 longer-term inpatient beds for people living with a severe, persistent, chronic and/or relapsing mental illness, along with other co-existing issues.
The project is a sign of the transformation in mental health care in the community, with much less reliance on institutional care.
As recently as the early 1970s, the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital had over 1,100 inpatients and 100 outpatients.
"Today, as a result of advances in medications and treatments, we serve 38 inpatients and over 1000 outpatients," St. Joseph's officials noted in briefing materials provided to the news media.
The LPH is now set for closure, and will likely be sold by the Ontario government.
The mental health wing was designed with input from clients and family members, something that St. Joseph's Care Group CEO Tracy Buckler said was essential to the creation of a space that is safe and beneficial for rehabilitation.
"We can now provide care in a home-like environment that will prepare clients for discharge into a community setting," Buckler said.
When patients are discharged, they may be accommodated in supportive housing, long-term care or an independent living facility with community supports.
The new wing is also home to amenities including a library, spaces to meet and visit, a spiritual room, and corporate offices.
In addition, it houses programs such as seniors' outpatient services and dental services.
The public can now access St. Joseph's Hospital through a new main entrance, accessed from Algoma Street. It has a pickup and drop-off area, metered accessible parking, and a covered walkway from the second level of the nearby Waterfront District Parkade.
