The new Royal Columbian Hospital Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre increases access to culturally safe mental health and addictions care. The nearly 37 000-square-metre facility includes 75 inpatient beds along with outpatient services, including a mood disorder clinic, expanded clinics for adolescent psychiatry, reproductive psychiatry and psychiatric urgent referral, group therapy, and neuropsychology clinics.

To support people living with substance use challenges, the centre will provide expanded addiction services through a new addictions medicine and substance use clinic. It will also be the new regional site for access to neurostimulation in a electroconvulsive therapy clinic. The centre is the first in the Fraser Health region to offer a specialized unit for seniors dealing with acute depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

The centre was built using a patient-centred design with input from patients, families, psychiatrists, and clinicians to create an inviting, spacious, therapeutic sanctuary featuring plenty of windows and natural light where patients can feel safe, respected, and supported in their recovery. To further support a diverse and culturally safe environment, First Nations artwork will help create a calming and welcoming environment.

Inpatient units include spaces for patients to be social, spaces to spend time alone, a lounge for visiting with family, friends, and other patients, a secure outdoor patio, and an exercise room. All patient rooms are private spaces with en suite bathrooms.

For more information, visit www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/New-Westminster/mental-health-and-substance-use-wellness-centre-royal-columbian-hospital [9].