A new era of mental health and addictions treatment began in Newfoundland and Labrador this weekend as the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre opened, replacing the 170-year-old Waterford Hospital.
The Mental Health and Addictions Centre provides a modern environment for mental health and addictions patients that is patient-centered and more conducive to recovery and healing, enabling patients to integrate into the community to live a life of meaning and wellness. The centre features:
- Individual inpatient rooms.
- Shared spaces for recreation, art therapy, horticulture.
- Outdoor terraces.
- Upgraded counselling and therapy spaces.
The new 102-bed facility complements other mental health and addictions services throughout the province, including 14 acute care rooms at the Health Sciences Centre, six beds in Labrador, 24 beds in Central Newfoundland, and 20 beds in Western Newfoundland, allowing patients in all regions of the province to receive care closer to home.
Budget 2025 includes significant funding to continue to support mental health and addictions services throughout the province, such as:
- More than $6 million to support addiction recovery, including a 10-bed unit in Labrador, and recovery homes.
- More than $3.6 million for stepped-down mental health facilities and wraparound community-based supports.
- More than $5 million to support The Gathering Place to provide social support and services to vulnerable people.
- $5.7 million to enable Choices for Youth to implement services for vulnerable youth.
- Approximately $1.5 million to enable the Harm Reduction Team to continue providing care for vulnerable individuals.
- More than $600,000 to increase availability of naloxone kits to assist individuals at risk of overdose from opioids.
The new Mental Health and Addictions Centre is a key recommendation of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, which details the Provincial Government’s actions to improve mental health and addictions services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“This is an exciting time for mental health and addictions care in our province. The new Mental Health and Addictions Centre replaces the outdated Waterford Hospital and allows patients and staff to live and work in a modern, patient-focused environment. Thank you to all partners and staff at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and the Provincial Government who worked to make this new centre a reality for patients, families, health care professionals, and the community as a whole.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Acting Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“It’s a proud day in our province’s history to see this new Mental Health and Addictions Centre open and an honour to be able to mark this special occasion. The new centre represents a significant amount of work over many years and we are thankful to everyone who contributed. We’re happy to see the Waterford Hospital close its doors and to see patients welcomed in a new environment to help them improve their mental health and well-being.”
Honourable John Haggie
Acting Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services is pleased to reach a key milestone with the official opening of the Mental Health and Addictions Centre, which will help transform mental health and addictions services in our province. Thank you to our dedicated staff, physicians and leaders who have been involved in various phases of the project, and for your commitment to providing quality care to patients. I would also like to recognize the continued support of the Provincial Government, individuals with lived and living experience, and other partners.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
CEO, NL Health Services
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