• Exterior shot of QEII's Emergency Department

    Comfort in times of crisis

    Community rallies together for the QEII’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites

525 donors came together to fund the transformation of the QEII’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites – supporting those facing a mental health crisis.

A HEALING ENVIROMENT FOR TIMES WHEN IT’S MOST NEEDED
REDESIGNING THE QEII’S PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE SUITES

The QEII’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites at the Halifax Infirmary treats between 200 to 250 people a month, accommodating patients with any and all mental health concerns. After years of heavy use, this essential space was long overdue for an upgrade.

We’re thrilled to share that our QEII Foundation donor community rallied together, raising more than $484,000 to completely transform this vital mental health treatment area.

Generous donors enabled the purchase of new dimmable lighting, reinforced walls painted in calming colours, properly designed and weighted furniture that is safe yet welcoming, and much more. In late 2023, the first patients were treated in the QEII's new Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites, which includes three treatment rooms, an isolation room and a nurses’ station. This exciting milestone wouldn't be a reality without donor support.

Take a virtual tour of the new suites, which are located within the QEII's Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre.

 

 

 

 

Matt White
Director, Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions (Central Zone)
A word from Matt White

A redesign of the QEII Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites has completely transformed this essential entry point into the mental health system into what it needs to be – a space of healing.

This newly designed place of comfort and support will help build trust with people who are taking their first steps to seek treatment for their mental health and offer an essential resource to our community during what has been an incredibly difficult couple of years – for all of us.

 

The redesign of the QEII’s Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites is part of the QEII Foundation’s We Are campaign. Here are some key benefits that donors have made possible in this newly-transformed space:


WEIGHTED FURNITURE that cannot easily be lifted or moved for improved safety, dignity and comfort

Weighted Furniture


DIMMABLE LIGHTS to create a soft, calming environment, an escape from the fluorescent lighting of a typical hospital room

Lights


CALMING COLOURS to promote relaxation and peace

Colours


REINFORCED WALLS to prevent holes and damage for increased safety and sanitation

Walls Icon
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COMMUNITY RISES TO THE OWENS FAMILY’S CHALLENGE

In winter 2022, the Owens family generously committed a $25,000 matching gift to this project and our donors responded in a big way – exceeding the match! Together with the Owens family, our community raised $67,551 to help bring the $484,000 project to the finish line. Thank you to the Owens family for your inspiring generosity.

 

These suites are where people in crisis can begin their healing. If you look around your immediate circle of family and friends, mental illness can touch any of us. Our family’s hope is that our support will help transform these suites into the comfortable, secure space it’s meant to be for people in need of professional care, as well as for the healthcare professionals who work there.

- Natalie Owens
Owens Family Representative
QEII Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites Matching Donor Family 

Three care providers stand in a pristine treatment suite
From left to right: Care team members Michelle Wilkinson, Sarah MacDonald and Chelsea Frenette pictured within the newly-renovated Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites.

Need help now? The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions crisis line is always available at 1 888 429 8167.

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We Are transforming mental health care: a message from Natalie Owens
"Our family feels fortunate to get behind such a critical asset to our community. Our hope is this $25,000 matching gift will help transform these suites into the comfortable, secure space it’s meant to be for people in need of professional care."