The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Consumer Services and MPP for Kingston and The Islands, joined hospital staff, donors, community members and health- care partners today to celebrate the opening of Kingston General Hospital's new acute mental health unit.
The new mental health unit is transferring to KGH from Hotel Dieu Hospital as part of the hospital's overall redevelopment plan. This move will consolidate all acute inpatient mental health care at KGH while Hotel Dieu will continue to host ambulatory (outpatient) mental health clinics.
The new mental health unit will provide a safe and comforting treatment setting for patients with a variety of disorders and illnesses including, mood, psychotic, personality, adjustment disorders and substance issues. The new space will feature an adult unit, child and adolescent unit- the Kinsmen Youth Mental Health Unit - and intensive observation area.
Patients will begin receiving treatment in the new mental health unit June 21, 2011.
The new mental health unit is part of the hospital's multi-year, multi-million dollar redevelopment project. Construction on the redevelopment project began in July 2008. The first three projects - a new pediatric unit, a new medicine/inpatient oncology unit and new dialysis unit - are now complete and operational. The first phases of the intensive care unit and cancer centre expansions are also complete. The overall project is progressing on time and on budget to be completed in spring 2012.
Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with Kingston General Hospital to redevelop the facility, which will remain publicly owned and publicly controlled.
Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to delivering some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget; as well, it is dedicated to providing the public sector and not-for-profit organizations with long-term financing to renew their infrastructure.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or visit www.kgh.on.ca for more information.
Contacts:
Lyndsie York
Infrastructure Ontario
416-326-9368
Karen Smith
Kingston General Hospital
613-549-6666, Ext. 6345
Disponible en français
Quotes:
Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
“Congratulations on another major milestone met today. This redevelopment project is part of the largest reinvestment in health care facilities in Ontario in more than a generation.”
Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“This new mental health unit will provide improved access to vital health services for the people of Kingston. I'm proud of my government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those affected by mental health issues and addictions.”
John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands
“This is an exciting milestone for our community. This new mental health unit will provide the care and treatment needed for the region's and province's most vulnerable population.”
Leslee Thompson, President and CEO, Kingston General Hospital
“This bright and spacious new facility at KGH will allow us to provide the best of care to patients and families in an environment that is designed for enhanced privacy and comfort. This is a significant step in improving care for patients in Southeastern Ontario.”