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 Centre for Addictionand Mental Health |
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CAMH Connexions Special Edition Oct 2005CAMH Connexions
Great News: The Transformation has Begun The transformation is beginning at CAMH's Queen Street site, following an announcement made by David Caplan, Ontario Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal on September 9, 2005 of a major investment in CAMH's redevelopment project.
"We are very excited. The government's investment will let us create facilities that support client dignity, recovery and transition back into the community, while integrating the best in clinical care, research, teaching, health promotion and policy at one site," says Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO. The government's announcement means we can now proceed with the first phase of our redevelopment. This consists of a new and innovative approach to care-the Alternate Milieu (AM) bed project-for the care and recovery of our clients in a homelike setting. While receiving specialized hospital care, clients will have the opportunity to develop or redevelop the skills necessary to have a successful transition to the community. It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2006 with a completion date in the Fall/Winter 2007.
The remainder of the first phase, to begin construction in 2008/2009, consists of modernized core bed buildings to support our Geriatric Mental Health Program and Child, Youth and Family Program . This will include the first 12 beds in the city to serve youth who have both addictions and/or mental health and addictions problems. There will also be a new outpatient and administrative building.
"This is fantastic news! We have waited a very long time for this to happen," says Joan Piscopo, Chair of CAMH's Client and Family Reference Group for the Redevelopment. "Many patients, clients and family members struggle tremendously with the stigma that mental health and addictions sadly bring, causing unnecessary shame or embarrassment to receive treatment. This Redevelopment Project will help to integrate treatment services into the community and create an environment that is both pleasing and healthy for all." CAMH's 10-year multi-phased project will eventually bring together programs and services from our three other current sites to the Queen Street site as the hub of our operations. The 27-acre site will be transformed into an urban village with neighbourhood streets extended through the property. This will integrate CAMH into the surrounding community and contribute to the revitalization of the neighbourhood. Former Toronto Mayor and current President of the Canadian Urban Institute, David Crombie, says, "CAMH's redevelopment will link formerly isolated lands with the surrounding vibrant Queen West community, turning it into a functioning, energetic and wonderful part of the city, and at the same time, transform the way CAMH delivers research and care for those affected by mental illness and addiction. I believe it will be a powerful and effective solution to the challenge of addressing institutional stigma in an urban environment." The redevelopment is consistent with the government's plans to develop a comprehensive, integrated health care system driven by the needs of patients and their families.
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Last updated: June 01, 2006 1:43 PM Published: October 10, 2008 3:43 PM ID#18843-R |