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

Once considered state-of-the-art, 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 $450,000 to completely transform the current mental health treatment area – which includes three treatment rooms, an isolation room and a nurses’ station

Generous donors are enabling 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. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2022.

PROGRAM LEADER, ACUTE CARE/CRISIS SUPPORTS, MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS (CENTRAL ZONE)

A word from Matt White

A redesign of the QEII Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites will make an essential entry point into the mental health system into what it needs to be – a space of healing.

The current suites are not up to the standard we want for mental health care in 2022. And we know now more than ever, that mental illness doesn’t play favourites. It can affect anyone – your brother, sister, niece, nephew, parents, friends, or you. We’ve all faced significant amounts of psychological stress during this pandemic.

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 will help make possible in this soon-to-be transformed space:

COMMUNITY RISES TO THE OWENS FAMILY’S CHALLENGE

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 $450,000 project to the finish line. Thank you to the Owens family for your inspiring generosity.

As an interior designer, creating comfortable, calming spaces is always on my mind. I have seen the effects that environment can play on a person’s mental state. Knowing that those struggling with their mental health are ushered into a space that’s been left behind made me realize that that’s exactly how people who come to the suites must feel: left behind.

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

Pictured: the IWK’s Garron Centre inpatient rooms serve as one inspiration and example of what the redesigned QEII Psychiatric Emergency Care Suites could look like.

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

Comfort in times of crisis

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 will help make possible in this soon-to-be transformed space:

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

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

CALMING COLOURS to promote relaxation and peace

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

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