(May 2, 2008) Saskatoon – Saskatoon Health Region, the Ministry of Health and special guests today officially kicked off construction of the new $20-million Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health, which will improve mental health services within the region and the province.
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Artist's rendering of
Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health
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“This new facility and the opportunity it brings to develop client-centred, community based recovery treatment programs shows that people living with mental illnesses are valued within our community and that they and their families deserve the same dignity and respect that would be afforded to any other person accessing health services,” said Jake Ens, President, Schizophrenia Society – Saskatoon Chapter and consumer/family representative on the mental health advisory committee.
“Today is an example of strong partnerships and the generosity of so many wonderful people. We are so grateful to our physicians and staff for their commitment to client-centred care, the clients and their families for their ongoing feedback, the Ministry of Health and hospital foundations for securing funding, the University of Saskatchewan for leasing the land and, of course, Irene and Leslie Dubé, Merlis Belsher and all the other donors,” said Darlene Eberle, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Chairperson.
“I am thrilled that this centre will be built overlooking the South Saskatchewan River,” said Health Minister Don McMorris. “This peaceful location, plus the improvements to treatment spaces and the addition of a separate area for young people, will create an ideal healing environment for those in our society who are the most vulnerable.”
The Ministry of Health is paying 65 per cent of the design and construction costs for the new facility. The Future in Mind Campaign will cover the remaining construction costs and additional funds for furnishings and equipment. The Campaign is co-sponsored by the Royal University and Saskatoon City Hospital Foundations.
Two existing inpatient units at Saskatoon City Hospital and Royal University Hospital will be amalgamated and housed within the new Dubé Centre. The new facility will accommodate two adult units totaling 54 beds and a separate 10-bed child/adolescent unit.
In February 2008, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority awarded the tender for the mental health facility to Quorex Construction. The Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health is scheduled to be operational in late 2009.
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Image Downloads
Artist's Rendering of the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health:
For more information contact:
James Winkel
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
306-655-3253 |
Andrew Dinsmore
Ministry of Health
Regina
306-787-4083 |
Saskatoon Health Region
“Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service.”
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