Construction of the new 102-bed Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s in the Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada is progressing on schedule and within budget.
The 240,000ft², six-storey building is on track to complete by late 2024, with patient admissions beginning in spring 2025.
Recent developments include the installation of the HVAC system, drywall, ceilings, lighting, controls, and the Building Automation System.
Ongoing work involves millwork and the initiation of construction on the main entrance.
Signage placement is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
The new facility, officially named the Mental Health and Addictions Centre, will also house a 60-bed hostel on the top floor, replacing the Agnes Cowan Hostel.
Avalon Healthcare Partnership is overseeing the design, construction, financing, and maintenance. The project is estimated to create over 400 jobs, 95% of which will be sourced locally from Newfoundland and Labrador.
NL Health Services Eastern-Urban Zone Clinical Services senior director Glenda Webber said: “It is a priority for NL Health Services to provide high quality, evidenced-based, and person-centred mental health care.
“The new, state-of-the-art Mental Health and Addictions Centre, located at the Health Sciences Centre site, will help us break down barriers and stigma related to mental health and addictions by adopting a ’health is health’ approach.
“This means our patients and clients will have more direct access to other medical services so that their physical and mental health needs are as integrated as possible.”
Minister of Health and Community Services Tom Osborne said: “Investing in both our mental and physical health will support improved well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
“This centre is part of our ongoing commitment to improving greater access to quality mental health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This is another step forward to connecting residents with the health care they deserve.”
