County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell announces almost $164,000 investment in the construction of Southlake’s new Emergent Mental Health Assessment Unit. This investment is part of the County’s $45-million 15-year commitment to the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance, which includes seven hospitals that care for Simcoe County residents.
County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell announced an investment of almost $164,000 in Southlake Regional Health Centre today. The investment is part of a $45-million commitment over 15 years that Simcoe County has made to seven hospitals that care for Simcoe County residents.
The dollars supported renovations to create an Emergent Mental Health Assessment Unit at the Newmarket hospital.
Designed in consultation with patients, families and staff, the new 2,500-square-foot unit is equipped with six single-occupancy assessment rooms, each with a window and television along with an interview room, a common area for patients and a nursing station with visibility to the rest of the unit, providing a balance of privacy and safety.
The unit will provide short-term emergent care to some of the patients who are seen by crisis workers and/or psychiatrists in Southlake’s Emergency Department each day. With more space, amenities and natural light, this new unit will provide a more patient-centric and healing environment that promotes recovery.
With a third of Ontario’s group homes in York Region – eight within walking distance of the hospital – Southlake sees a disproportionately high number of Ontarians seeking mental health care. This new unit will help to bridge the gap between community- and hospital-based services and better integrate care in southern Simcoe County.
This $3.12 million renovation project is part of Southlake’s $15 million Mental Health redevelopment, which will also see the hospital add a 12-bed adult inpatient unit and renovated outpatient clinic space.
The County of Simcoe is investing $2.7 million in Southlake as part of its 15-year, $45-million commitment to the seven hospitals that care for Simcoe County residents.
While the Ministry of Health funds most of a hospital’s operational cost, it does not cover all of the costs of renovations nor equipment costs. To continue to modernize and expand services, Southlake relies on the generosity of the community through donations and investments, such as this one, from other levels of government.
Quotes
“The County of Simcoe’s continued investment in Southlake shows a commitment to improving healthcare services for residents and creating a healthier community overall. This latest investment supports a more patient-centric and healing environment for those seeking urgent mental health care at Southlake.
“As the healthcare system becomes more integrated, we will need to forge more and deeper partnerships like the one we have with the County.”
Arden Krystal, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increasing demand on hospital care, frontline medical services and essential healthcare workers. The County’s longstanding investment in area hospitals is more important than ever, as we continue to work collaboratively to improve physical, social and psychological supports for our residents. We are pleased to provide this investment of almost $164,000 towards Southlake Regional Health Centre’s new Mental Health Assessment Unit to address a high number of hospital visits relating to mental health. We know that this facility will be a regional asset and provide a safe space for residents of south Simcoe to receive the care they need.”
George Cornell, Warden, County of Simcoe
