Supporting Mental Health Services for Families and Communities

Next Phase Begins for Waterford Hospital Replacement

Planning for the replacement of the Waterford Hospital has taken another step forward. A contract valued at over $545,000 has been awarded to develop a master plan and functional program that will outline the operational design, programming and project scope for a new specialized adult mental health facility.

“Replacing the Waterford Hospital with a new modern state-of-the-art facility is one of several commitments our government has made to address mental health and addictions services in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am very pleased to see this project gain momentum. The new facility will enhance how we treat mental illness and will facilitate healing and recovery for patients. We will deliver services in a modernized space that is more efficient, up-to-date and better designed.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The contract to develop the master plan and functional program has been awarded to Stantec, an international infrastructure, engineering and project management company. This planning phase will include engaging with stakeholders to develop a program that emphasizes patient care, safety and operational efficiency. Stantec will develop a plan for adult mental health services; identify emerging demographics, program and service delivery trends; identify departmental areas, locations, traffic patterns and exterior use space; and, layout a development phase plan, schedule and cost estimates.

Recently a Senior Project Manager was hired to oversee the project. Stantec’s work is expected to be completed by late summer. When the planning is complete, the project will then move into the design phase and then construction.

“We are pleased to work with the Provincial Government, Stantec, our employees, clients and other stakeholders to design a new facility that meets the evolving mental health needs of people in this province. Mental health services have greatly advanced since the development of the original Waterford Hospital in the 1800s. Our hope is that this new modern facility will provide a positive environment and quality services that are based on best practices for those who require specialized mental health care.”
- Vickie Kaminski, President and CEO, Eastern Health

The new specialized adult mental health facility will further complement three other mental health and addictions infrastructure projects currently under development in the province:

• A youth treatment centre for addictions in Grand Falls-Windsor;
• A youth treatment centre for complex mental health conditions in Paradise; and,
• An adult addictions centre in Harbour Grace.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• A contract has been awarded to Stantec valued at over $545,000 to develop a master plan and functional program for the replacement of the Waterford Hospital.
• This planning phase will determine the needs and requirements of a new specialized adult mental health facility and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The design and construction phases will then follow.
• The Provincial Government provides over $100 million annually and employs more than 900 people within the health care system, to deliver provincial mental health and addictions resources for individuals, families and communities.
• Two youth treatment facilities for addictions and complex mental health conditions are nearing completion, and an adult addictions centre is in the development phase.

- 30 -

2014 02 18                                  1:45 p.m.