It Could Be Any One of Us
Mental illness can affect anyone, at any time. It does not discriminate by age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. The reality is, every single one of us, personally or through a family member, friend or colleague will be impacted by mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorders or addiction at some time during our life. We are all at risk and we are all affected.
Poor Physical Conditions Hinder Recovery
Although patients with mental illnesses admitted to VGH receive the best in medical care from very dedicated and experienced health care professionals, the physical condition of the current psychiatric facility is desperately inadequate. The 70-year-old building is plagued by serious age-related safety and structural issues that hinder patients’ ability to recover.
When you walk through the cluttered, dark and narrow corridors of the badly deteriorating facility,the overwhelming impression you are left with is one of bleakness and stigma. There are real concerns that inadequate facilities and a poor physical environment may slow – perhaps even prevent – recovery. Some patients simply refuse to stay. Others avoid coming in altogether.
A New Environment to Improve Patients’ Experiences and Opportunities to Heal
The new Mental Health Pavilion at VGH will be built to improve patient care by consolidating the majority of acute psychiatric services at VGH into one location – ensuring more streamlined and timely access to essential care. This new building will provide a healing and therapeutic environment where people are safe, protected and respected.
The New Mental Health Pavilion at VGH will Feature
• 100 beds - all in private rooms with their own washrooms
• Therapeutic environment that meets the needs of patients and modern health care
• Quiet areas for individual and group therapy
• Improved patient safety and security features
• Safe, private rooms on every inpatient floor for treatment and family visits
• Access to secure outdoor and green space
• Open spaces with natural light
• Warm, calming aesthetics
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