Hope is a place that is safe and
comfortable.
Hope is a place where the heart
listens.
Hope is a place where a sick
person gets better.
A state-of-the-art mental health
centre will soon stand alongside
the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon's Royal University
Hospital. The centre's purpose is singular: to provide
patient-centred care and treatment to adults, adolescents
and children who suffer from diseases of the mind.
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| Mary Ellen and Ian Buckwold stand at the site of the future Irene & Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health |
"I know that it will take more than a new building to cure our
son's illness but a new facility helps me to believe that our
decision-makers understand that mental illness requires the
same kind of support as any other disease −be it heart, lung,
cancer, you name it," says Ian Buckwold, Honourary Co-
Chair of The Future in Mind, a campaign to raise funds for
the new centre.
"I think the right environment for treatment and care improves
everyone's odds for success," says Mary Ellen Buckwold,
Honourary Co-Chair.
The Buckwolds' son is a young adult who has been struggling
under the weight of schizophrenia since he was 18
years old. His setbacks as well as his victories are also lived
by Ian, Mary Ellen and their two grown daughters.
"Mental illness and its stigma affect an entire family," explains
Mary Ellen.
Unfortunately, the family's experience with the current RUH
psychiatric unit has been unpleasant.
"There's nothing good to say about the Hantelman Unit except
the people who work there," says Mary Ellen. "I'd go to
visit my son and not be able to talk to him or hug him for fear
of disturbing the person sleeping in the next bed. It's a depressing
place for anyone to visit let alone to stay for days
or weeks."
The Hantelman Unit, originally designed as a residence for
medical interns, was later reassigned to the care and treatment
of mentally ill patients, supposedly on a temporary
basis. That was more than 20 years ago, and temporary
became permanent in a facility ill-suited for its purpose.
Adults, adolescents and children
are not segregated; therapy
rooms are makeshift and in short
supply; none of the patient
rooms is private; recreation, dining
and family visits take place in
one shared space; nursing stations
are cramped; patient access
is limited by narrow corridors;
natural light is scarce.
Now after years of lobbying by community mental health
organizations, patients, families and health care workers, a
new mental health centre will open its doors in the spring of
2009. Two distinct units will provide secure treatment areas
for children, adolescents and adults in an environment designed
to
enhance
peace of
mind.
Patients,
staff and
visitors will
enjoy private
rooms, spacious
therapy
areas, dining
rooms on
each unit,
outdoor
courtyards,
natural light
and panoramic views of the river. Nursing stations have
been designed to optimize efficient and comfortable work
areas. In fact, the entire design phase underwent extensive
consultation with mental health workers throughout the system
and included feedback from patients.
"I think the new facility will lend dignity and respect to a misunderstood
and cruelly ridiculed disease," says Mary Ellen.
The $20.5 million, 65-bed centre will be funded through a
cost-sharing agreement between the provincial government
and Saskatoon's hospital foundations−$13 million from the
government and $7.5 million to be raised by the foundations.
"The RUH Foundation is leading the campaign in partnership
with Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation. With that kind
of dedication, Mary Ellen and I decided that we would do
whatever it takes to help our foundations raise the funds
required," says Ian.
To access Mental Health Services in the Saskatoon Health Region, visit the SHR website and scroll down the page for a directory of services offered.
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