St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC) is set to get a major upgrade this year as the first phase of construction at its new $20 Million site on Lasalle Blvd is on track to be completed in the fall.
The Centre exists to rehabilitate patients after an injury or surgery. For elderly and vulnerable patients, this can be a lifeline; helping to avoid hospitalization and premature admission to long-term care or assisted living.
“Not only is this care crucial for the patients themselves, but it alleviates strain on our healthcare system overall,” shared Kari Gervais, President and CEO at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. “It helps to save hospital beds for those who need intensive care.”
For the last four years, SJCCC has operated from a hotel in downtown Sudbury, The Clarion.
The Clarion was established as a healthcare centre as a temporary measure in 2020. It was intended to remain open for just three months to support efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
But SJCCC was unable to withdraw services from the hotel as it consistently remained at 97% capacity. Since it opened, SJCCC has supported over 1,400 patients.
“Operating a hospital in a hotel presents unique challenges,” explains Vicki Lejambe, Chief of Nursing and Allied Health. “Small bathrooms, narrow doorways, tight accommodations, and minimal space for rehab, socialization, communal dining, and safe outdoor activities — which are essential elements for the rehabilitation process.”
Despite these challenges, both patient and staff satisfaction at the Clarion Hotel remains high. 97% of patients report improvement during their stay and 91% of employees recommend the facility for compassionate healthcare.
In a testimonial, the son of a patient attested to the high level of care at the Clarion site. “I had serious doubts that my mother would ever walk again,” he wrote. “Due to the incredible work of the staff, [three months later] she was walking almost as well as before her fall.”
“When this quality of care can be offered at a hotel, imagine what we can do in a purpose-built facility,” Gervais noted.
Lejambe describes the new site as a “major upgrade,” with improvements at the new site including much-needed spaces for rehabilitation such as a rehab gym, social dining area, healing garden and multi-faith worship space.
“I'm absolutely thrilled about our new site on Lasalle!” Lejambe shared. “It's a game-changer for addressing the evolving demographics and need for rehabilitation in our region.”
Gervais shares that as the government is funding 90% of this project, there is still a need for local people to donate to St. Joseph’s Foundation and be a part of building this brand new facility.
You can find out more about how to contribute or otherwise get involved on the St. Joseph’s Foundation website, here.
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