St. Joseph's Health Centre (SJHC) is proud to announce the grand opening of Phase 1 of its highly anticipated Capital Expansion Project for St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC) on October 28, 2024. This landmark development represents a $20 million investment in the future of healthcare for older adults in our community.
“The SJCCC Capital Expansion not only addresses immediate patient needs but also alleviates regional hospital overcrowding. This development is pivotal in bolstering capacity, reducing wait times, and ensuring sustainable access to care for older adults in the years ahead,” says Kari Gervais, President and CEO, SJHC.
Addressing a Growing Need
The new facility serves a critical role in supporting older adults experiencing a range of health challenges. With the projected number of older adults living with frailty in Northeastern Ontario expected to rise by 55% by 2038, SJHC's expansion project acts as a proactive solution, ensuring timely access to essential care.
“Our focus is on patients typically aged over 65, with heightened risk noted over 75, who may be grappling with medical illnesses, fall-related injuries, and dementia. While many older adults lead active lives, a segment faces frailty and the risk of avoidable hospitalization or premature admission to long-term care,” explains Gervais. “SJCCC's objective is to proactively identify these individuals, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, and enhance overall well-being.”
A Healing Environment
The new facility goes far beyond simply providing additional beds. It boasts a range of amenities designed to create a healing and restorative environment for patients.
"The new facility will be a major upgrade from the temporary location at the Clarion Hotel, featuring critical additions like therapy gyms, social dining areas, Healing Garden, multi-faith worship space, and surrounding green spaces integrated into the facility's property. These enhancements will be transformative in addressing the region’s growing need for rehabilitation services. ,” says Gervais.
The Healing Garden and surrounding green spaces, will feature lush trees, vibrant flower beds, accessible benches, and carefully designed walkways. These outdoor areas are essential for promoting mental and physical wellbeing, offering patients, families, and staff a serene environment for reflection and relaxation. The addition of a water feature and a native wildflower garden will create a soothing atmosphere while attracting butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds, helping to connect patients with the healing power of nature.
A Legacy of Care
SJHC has been a cornerstone of healthcare in our region for nearly 75 years. Guided by its core values of service, integrity, dignity, and excellence, SJHC is committed to providing compassionate and high-quality care. This commitment is reflected in their accreditation by CARF International, an independent and non-profit accreditor of health and human services, which is a testament to their dedication to exceeding the highest standards.
The team of professionals who support SJHC is another example of their commitment to excellence. Over 630 nurses, personal support workers, and support staff along with 140 volunteers, 109 administrative staff, and 26 skilled medical professionals work together to care for the community. They also welcome hundreds of learners from post-secondary institutions, such as NOSM, Cambrian College, College Boreal, and Laurentian University, contributing to and enriching a culture of continuous learning.
SJHC operates four non-profit facilities in the region:
- Villa St. Gabriel’s Villa, a bilingual-designated 128-bed long-term care home in Chelmsford.
- St. Joseph’s Villa, a 128-bed long-term care home on South Bay Road in Sudbury.
- St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, the only rehabilitative care hospital in Northeastern Ontario. The main site, attached to St. Joseph’s Villa on South Bay Road, currently has 64 beds, complemented by a temporary 60-bed site at the Clarion Hotel in downtown Sudbury.
How You Can Help
While the Ministry of Health will fund 90% of the construction costs, SJHC needs the support of the community to cover the remaining 10% and to equip the new facility with state-of-the-art equipment.
To learn more about the project or to make a donation, visit SJCCC online or call (705) 674-2846.