Whitehorse hospital launches the $33M Fireweed unit, offering modern in-patient mental health care with advanced safety and healing features.
Transforming Mental Health Care in Whitehorse
On Monday, Whitehorse General Hospital marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new Fireweed mental health unit. The $33 million facility is set to transform in-patient mental health care in Yukon, providing a safer, more supportive environment for those in need.
A State-of-the-Art Facility for Healing
The Fireweed unit spans 10,000 square feet in a horseshoe-shaped wing, designed with patient comfort and safety in mind. It features eight private bedrooms—expandable to 12—alongside a communal kitchen, a healing room, and a private outdoor smoking area. Three seclusion rooms, each equipped with only a bed and toilet, are located next to an observation area for close monitoring.
Addressing Past Shortcomings
The new unit replaces the hospital’s former secure medical unit, which faced criticism for lacking essential safety features and adequate staff training. Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee, speaking at the opening, acknowledged these issues, noting that the previous facility was “essentially eight rooms and a hallway” and not equipped for effective care. The Fireweed unit aims to address these shortcomings with modern infrastructure and enhanced safety protocols.
Enhanced Safety and Staff Training
Safety is at the forefront of the new unit’s design. Staff now have access to “code white” alarm buttons throughout the facility and personal alarm systems. Most rooms feature two exits and additional lockdown capabilities. According to Kirsten Wilson, clinical care manager, staff have completed extensive online and in-person training in safety and de-escalation techniques. The unit will be staffed by three nurses, a team lead, and consultant psychiatrists.
A New Era for Mental Health Programming
Stephanie Ralph, executive director of patient care, announced that the hospital’s mental health programming has been completely redesigned to better meet patient needs. “We’ve taken our current programming and we’ve redesigned every single aspect of it,” Ralph stated, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of care approaches.
Looking Ahead
The Fireweed mental health unit will be fully operational by July, offering in-patient care for up to 30 days for individuals with a mental health diagnosis. The opening of this unit is seen as a crucial step forward for mental health services in Yukon, with hospital leadership acknowledging that while it may not solve every challenge, it marks a promising new beginning. The former secure medical unit will revert to general in-patient medical and surgical use, further expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve the community.
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