A view of the future multi-purpose activity room in Recreation Therapy on Level 1
Construction Highlights
Recreation Therapy
While rehabilitation and complex continuing care’s main focus is on the physical aspects of care, West Park's Recreation Therapy focuses more on the patient's heart and soul. The department’s therapeutic offerings utilizes activity-based interventions to improve the psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being of patients with all conditions and abilities.
Strategically located at a central location that is easily accessible by all patients, the new Recreation Therapy space will be located along the main corridor next to the Café on Level 1. The space will increase by almost 70 per cent to provide individual programs, scheduled group and drop-in activities such as art, cooking, horticulture, sewing and computer training.
The department space will include:
- A large multi-purpose activity space for group programming that can be subdivided as needed
- A teaching kitchen that will allow patients to learn and practice skills necessary for successful community living. Though located in the Recreation Therapy department, the kitchen will be a centre-wide resource and, as an option, can be rented for external events.
- Direct access to a designated Recreation Therapy Courtyard that will accommodate a variety of sunny and shaded spaces suitable for events, small groups and quiet reflection. The Courtyard will have screens to separate it from the Café Patio to provide patients with more privacy during their therapeutic sessions.
Recreation Therapy programs can also be offered throughout the new hospital. The new hospital will have an assortment of multi-purpose rooms that can be utilized for various occasions including the auditorium, café, dining rooms, patient activity rooms and outdoor terraces on each inpatient floor.
Video: Take a look at the new Recreation Therapy space here (2 min 27)
THE MATTRESS EXPERIENCE: IT’S NOT JUST FOR SLEEPING
Going above and beyond, Clinical Practice Leader for Occupational Therapy, Jacinthe Dubois-Webster, spearheaded a mattress trial whereby patients and staff assessed the pros and cons of two mattresses for the new hospital.
Read the story and watch Jacinthe talk about the features of each mattress here
HOSPITAL HOPES
Rehabilitation Assistants, Nejantie and Cesar, take a walk at lunch to admire the new hospital
Here are their thoughts about West Park’s new facility that is set to open in 2023.
“Under the current facility, we simply have a lack of space. There are not enough program and therapy rooms for patients, and staff areas like workstations, washrooms and lunch areas.
I am looking forward to better spaces and amenities that will support the care we provide to patients. It’s going to be a happy atmosphere for everyone!”
- Nejantie Ramdas
Rehabilitation Assistant
“Each day that passes. I see the new advances of the hospital construction. I am very excited to see how it will be when it is finished. I am very proud of being part of West Park.”
-Cesar Leon
Rehabilitation Assistant