Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Centre says this year’s annual report to the community provides an opportunity to reflect on the ways the facility has moved forward over the past year.
Released recently, the report notes that the Penetanguishene-based hospital “is creating a better future by advancing care at the hospital and leading within the broader health care system to enhance mental health, addiction and geriatric care.”
From co-designing alternatives to emergency departments that better serve people experiencing a mental health crisis to facilitating and enabling the provision of affordable housing options for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders who need supports to live successfully in the community, Waypoint says it’s working with partners to respond to the growing need for mental health and addiction care in central Ontario.
“It is inspiring to look back at all that’s been accomplished in the past year to deliver on our commitment to create a better future — for patients, staff, our community and the health care sector,” Waypoint president and chief executive officer Dr. Nadiya Sunderji said during an event to release the report.
“These accomplishments reflect the leadership, innovation and expertise of Waypoint’s talented team who work alongside our many partners to advance our shared commitment to improve care.”
Among other highlights shared by Sunderji and outlined in a release was the Waypoint Research Institute continued drive for positive change on a global scale, “making an impact on care, outcomes and experiences.”
“A prime example involves Dr. Andrea Waddell and her team, who are employing artificial intelligence in an early warning score system designed to make care safer — the first of its kind in an Ontario psychiatric hospital,” the release stated.
The centre went on to pat itself on the back for programs designed to create a “healthy and thriving workforce" as well as providing “a welcoming culture that values and respects equity, diversity and inclusion.”
And this summer, construction will begin this summer on a new 20-bed acute mental health unit that will enable Waypoint, as a regional centre, to support patients and partners with the specialized and expert care they deserve.
“This highly anticipated unit will include the first psychiatric ICU beds in central Ontario for individuals with increased risk due to severe mental illness, an important milestone toward delivering safer care and relieving pressures on emergency departments,” the release noted.
To learn more about the Waypoint or read the report titled 'A Better Future', click here.
"Waypoint’s 2023-24 annual report provides additional details of proud moments and signature achievements of the last 12 months, including numerous examples of engaging in meaningful ways with patients," the facility noted.
