Updates on the Willow Chest Program and new mental health centre
- Graphic rendering of the proposed new Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Centre on the VGH site.
This week marks two milestones for the development of mental health services on the VGH site.
The first is the 21-bed tertiary mental health rehabilitation program, currently at the Willow Chest Centre, which will move to the second floor of the Willow Pavilion (WP) by the end of June.
This move will make the tertiary programs and resources more accessible to the rehabilitation program clients and staff.
Staff, clients and families have been notified of this program change. Overall they are excited to be moving closer to the other tertiary programs in WP.
Program leaders will now support the transition planning which includes more engagement of staff, clients and families in the planning process.
The ball is rolling
We are still anticipating all final approvals from the Ministry of Health for the new Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Centre (JRSFC). This building will replace the Health Centre on the VGH campus.
The preferred location is the Willow Chest Centre site and the medical gas tank farm be relocated to the green space next to Banfield Pavilion.
VCH and Lower Mainland facilities management staff is managing the preliminary development application process with the city of Vancouver.
VGH has submitted a preliminary development permit application and is seeking approvals for the future building location and size in the context of the entire VGH site. As part of that process, there is a new preliminary development application sign posted on the VGH site on West 10th Avenue. It explains what impacts the project is anticipated to have on the VGH site.
The giving continues
In the meantime, VGH & the UBC Hospital Foundation continue to fundraise for the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Centre. Thanks to significant government funding, a lead gift from Joseph and Rosalie Segal of $12 million and gifts from other donors and hospital staff, they are getting closer to meeting the fundraising target.
To make a gift, visit www.vghfoundation.ca.