Bluewater Health (BWH) is one step closer to the construction of a permanent Community Addictions Hub (CAH) at its Sarnia site.
The Ministry of Health recently gave its approval to proceed to tender, allowing BWH to begin the process of selecting a construction partner to bring the CAH to life.
The hospital's President and CEO, Paula Reaume-Zimmer, said the approval reflects more than 10 years of preparation and a clear commitment to address the complex needs of individuals and families impacted by addiction.
"You can certainly operate a more efficient, effective service when we're all together, sharing resources, staffing and different programming opportunities," said Reaume-Zimmer. "So that's going to be an improvement, and we look forward to coming together."
The CAH will combine the seven beds currently at the hospital for acute withdrawal management with the 12 beds operating at Ryan's House on Exmouth Street and add five beds, meaning 24 beds will operate within the space, bringing services together.
"This here is, I think, integral to all of this, the rooms that will be here, the 12,000-plus square feet that are here, and I can see all the work they've done to get it to this stage," said Sarnia-Lambton Member of Provincial Parliament Bob Bailey. "I'm looking forward to the tendering, and the sooner we can start, the better."
For more than a decade, BWH has taken a phased approach toward establishing a permanent, full-service addiction hub.
"Mental health and addictions is still the number one issue across southwestern Ontario, and this is really going to put Sarnia-Lambton up a lot of notches compared to a lot of other areas in the province. And it's really amazing to see this," said Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott. "It's been a lot of years coming, but better late than never, and now that we see it in motion, and I think we can see the end of the tunnel here."
In preparation for approval, BWH completed $3 million in infrastructure renewal work funded through Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding to modernize the existing building at the corner of Russell Street and London Road, which was originally constructed in 1959.
"The key bricks and mortar are important. This has been a long journey. It's about the people. It's about the people and the lives that will be saved," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. "This all comes together, not to guarantee anyone the chance of life, (but) the opportunity to have that chance of life, and that's going to make a big difference here. So, I applaud everyone that's been involved, and it's a true example of community collaboration."
Once complete, the CAH will bring withdrawal management, stabilization, and outpatient addiction services together in a purpose-built, permanent facility designed specifically for addiction care.
The CAH will ensure individuals are supported at every stage of recovery, with access to the right care at the right time.
