New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility Opens Today

ST. JOHN'S, NL — A cutting-edge new facility dedicated to mental health and addictions treatment officially opened its doors Today. The Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility, integrated within the Health Sciences Centre, is set to redefine care in the province with its state-of-the-art design and holistic, recovery-focused approach. Offering a therapeutic environment that emphasizes well-being, natural light, and outdoor spaces, the facility is set to be a cornerstone of mental health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Situated against the scenic backdrop of Pippy Park, the facility provides patients with stunning views and includes outdoor terrace spaces for each unit, fostering a calming, healing environment. From its spacious design to the natural light flooding the building, the facility is built to encourage recovery and well-being at every level.

Comprehensive and Specialized Care for All Needs

The Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility offers 102 beds across a variety of specialized units, each designed to meet the unique needs of patients requiring mental health and addiction treatment. These include:

• A forensic unit, catering to individuals requiring secure and specialized mental health care.

• Two adult acute units, providing intensive care for adults experiencing acute mental health crises.

• A geriatric unit, specifically tailored to the needs of older adults facing mental health and addiction challenges.

• A short stay unit, focused on delivering care for individuals needing brief inpatient treatment.

• An eating disorder inpatient program, offering specialized care for patients struggling with eating disorders.

• An emergency department, co-located with the general adult emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre, ensuring swift and efficient access to critical care.

  
  

Holistic Amenities Supporting Recovery

The facility has been thoughtfully designed to support patients’ recovery through a variety of inpatient amenities. Among the highlights are:

• A therapeutic mall, providing services such as physiotherapy to aid in physical rehabilitation.

• A village square, a communal space encouraging interaction and fostering a sense of community.

• A fitness studio, promoting physical wellness as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

• An art therapy program, enabling patients to express themselves creatively and process emotions.

• A horticultural suite, offering therapeutic gardening experiences to help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Every aspect of the new facility—whether it’s the calming color palette, the presence of natural light, or the art and furnishings—has been meticulously chosen to create an environment that promotes recovery and healing.

A New Era in Mental Health Care

The Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility is more than just a physical space—it represents a new approach to mental health and addiction care in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its design is rooted in guiding principles such as client-centered care, reducing stigma, and providing recovery-focused treatment. The integration of family and community in the care process will be central to helping patients transition back to their lives, ensuring continuity of care and support in the community.

This facility will replace the historic Waterford Hospital, which has served the province since 1855. As the Waterford Hospital closes its doors, the new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility ushers in a modern, evidence-based model of care. The transition reflects the province’s shift toward a more community-oriented mental health care system, focusing on patient recovery and integration with community-based services.

Building on a Legacy of Care

Although the Waterford Hospital has been an integral part of the province’s mental health care system for over a century, the new facility will offer a more contemporary and comprehensive range of services. By providing a seamless transition between inpatient care and community-based support, the Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall quality of life. The interdisciplinary team will continue to work collaboratively with patients, families, primary care providers, and community support networks to ensure the best possible care for every individual.

Looking to the Future

The opening of the Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility today is a major milestone in the province’s efforts to improve mental health and addiction care. With a focus on holistic, recovery-driven treatment, this facility represents a forward-thinking approach to mental health services. The facility is designed not just to treat, but to empower patients, supporting their journey toward healing and recovery in a compassionate, welcoming environment.

As it opens, the Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility is poised to become a beacon of hope and a model for mental health care across the country.