For years, Hôpital Montfort on Montreal Road has grappled with serving mental health patients in its emergency department, which sees over 50,000 visits annually and of which 8% are mental health-related visits, more than double the average of other hospitals in Ottawa and across Ontario.
With no government funding for the project, the hospital’s foundation launched a $2-million fundraising campaign to bring the state-of-the-art vision to life. Remarkably, the goal was achieved in just 18 weeks—far surpassing the initial 18-month timeline—thanks to generous contributions from donors, including a significant gift from the Singhal family, owners of Richcraft Homes.
Designed by Parkin Architects, the newly unveiled space is thoughtfully crafted to prioritize patient well-being, safety, and comfort. It features amenities such as dimmable lighting, piped-in music, calming colors, private shower, quiet zones, and added windows to bring in natural light and views of the surroundings and of the sky. Built-in safety features ensure the security of both patients and staff.
“It was an ambitious project for Montfort to pursue,” said hospital president and CEO Dominic Giroux. “Capital planning can often take five, 10, or even 15 years. But this was identified by our clinical teams as a high-priority need, and the community responded with incredible generosity. There was a need, so we just got it done. We didn’t ask for a dime from the province.”
At the heart of the new mental health emergency zone lies the emPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) design principles, which provide a transformative approach to crisis care:
- Healing Through Community:
Patients are welcomed into a central, open space, known as the milieu. Recliner chairs are accessible and can be adjusted for socialization or rest. This communal approach fosters interaction, reduces feelings of isolation, and creates a supportive atmosphere for recovery. The space also includes access to quiet areas, offering a calming environment designed to minimize stress. - Integrated Staff Presence:
Workspaces are designed to integrate staff within patient areas while maintaining discreet focus spaces. Graphics enhance the environment, reducing the feeling of being watched and promoting comfort and dignity. This layout ensures care is always accessible in a non-coercive, patient-centered manner. - Swift Access to Care:
Patients are assessed by psychiatrists as quickly as possible, enabling timely treatment. Early intervention has been shown to improve outcomes significantly, especially within the short-term, outpatient-focused emPATH model.
The first patients arrived in early November, marking the start of a new chapter in Montfort’s mission to provide compassionate, innovative mental health care.
Parkin is proud to have collaborated with Montfort to bring this essential project to fruition, ensuring the space reflects a commitment to patient dignity, safety, and healing.