Room for recovery

CAMH Annual Report

In this section:

• Transforming care in a deinstitutionalized setting
• Room for recovery
• Building on today's care initiatives

Alternate Milieu Building (Phase 1A).

Clients, families, staff, neighbours and other stakeholders have provided input on every aspect of the redevelopment, from functional programming to site planning and from building heights to bedroom design.

When CAMH created a full-scale model of an Alternate Milieu bedroom and washroom in the Queen Street Community Centre this year, more than 450 people toured the display, including over 100 clients and family members.

“This room radiates hope,” says Elsa Southam. “It’s cheerful, environmentally positive and accessible. A private room is so important for client dignity and makes it much easier for family and friends to visit.”

CAMH invited suggestions on how the room could be improved. We are using the many suggestions we received to make design changes.

“Based on the consistent feedback from clients, families and staff and our examination of best practices from around the world, we are confident that the Alternate Milieu care setting will help clients to respond more effectively to treatment and help reduce the time they need to spend in the hospital,” says Dr. Trevor Young, Physician-in-Chief and Executive Vice-President, Programs.

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