Rainy weather couldn’t stop more than 100 attendees from gathering at the site of the new Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre for the facility’s official ground breaking.

Health Minister Terry Lake was joined by MLA Sam Sullivan, Joseph and Rosalie Segal, donors, physicians and clinical staff to mark the start of construction of the new building, which will help support those living with mental-illness and substance-use challenges.

All about partnerships

According to Christie Hamel, clinical project manager for JRSFHC, the Segal Centre is a special project that has so far had considerable support and involvement from staff, mental health consumers, families and First Nations. The goal is to design a building that not only meets the functional needs of programs but also the therapeutic and wellness needs of clients, visitors and family members

“Our Clinical Stakeholder Working Group has brought together several partners who have identified a variety of priorities for the facility,” Christie explains. “Everything from natural daylight, access to considerable outdoor space, optimization of client choice and control of their environment, and the opportunity to practice individual spiritual practices has been examined through that lens.”

Providing a home-like environment entwined with elements of nature is one of the facility’s major themes; expansive views, soothing colours and textures, and plenty of wood, light and plants will help achieve this.

Moreover, the building will also feature adjustable lighting in patient rooms; wifi throughout the building and internet kiosks on each inpatient unit, so clients can stay informed and connected; ample group space in both outpatient clinics and on inpatient units; a large shared activity room so patients can practice visual arts and music; and a more open, approachable atmosphere between clients and staff.

One feature that was very important to family members was being able to have private space to visit with their loved one. Now, each floor will offer a family lounge and space where family members may share a meal with their loved ones. Recreation space was also a key need, so a walking loop and exercise equipment will be installed on each inpatient unit, as well as a large shared exercise space for the building and numerous outdoor gardens.

“It’s all about listening to the needs of people who will benefit from the care being provided,” Christie says. “The building space is very flexible and able to meet the needs of unique individuals, thereby contributing to their wellness and recovery journey.”

The Segal Building has also spearheaded a transformation in the clinical delivery of care by accelerating education in the areas of recovery, patient and family-centred care and trauma-informed practice. The JRSFHC is working in combination with the clinical operations team regarding new secure room guidelines and comfort care planning, which will improve the overall client experience.

Following the ground-breaking, our VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation hosted a reception to celebrate this important milestone with donors, fundraising campaign participants and other guests at the ceremony.

Next steps

Pending development and building permit approvals by the City of Vancouver, construction will begin in early 2015. The design builder Ellis Don, in partnership with Parkin Architects, will construct the centre to meet LEED Gold green building certification standards, and to reflect the input of ongoing consultations with patients, families, staff and physicians.

The Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre is scheduled for completion by 2017.