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Construction starts on interim Psychiatric Assessment Unit at Richmond Hospital
Paving the way for enhanced mental health care, the team kicks off construction on another major component of Phase One on the Richmond Hospital Redevelopment Project. As of October 3, 2023, construction started on the interim Psychiatric Assessment Unit (PAU), formerly known as the Psychiatric Emergency Unit (PEU). The PAU's relocation to a purpose-built space outside of the South Tower is a critical step towards improving patient care.
As part of the Richmond Hospital inpatient psychiatry program, operating around the clock, seven days a week, the PAU serves as a crucial resource for those in need, offering assessment, stabilization and treatment for individuals experiencing psychiatric or mental health crises.
"I am truly excited about the improvements in the interim PAU, the enhanced facilities will enable us to provide even better care for our patients.”
Sarbi Aujla, Operations Director Mental Health and Substance Use, Community Geriatrics, Hand Therapy and Outpatient Rehab.
This relocation is to pave the way for the construction of the new acute care tower, the Yurkovich Family Pavilion. This nine-floor addition will include a bigger emergency department, more operating rooms, a fully equipped medical imaging department, a pharmacy, and dedicated short-stay pediatrics.
The relocation of the interim PAU brings benefits for staff and patients:
Enhanced patient privacy
Patients will have enhanced privacy and comfort with enclosed patient care spaces, complete with ensuite washrooms. The revamped space will also include care spaces that provide improved patient visibility to facilitate optimized patient care, observation and monitoring.
Improved unit layout
The revamped space will feature optimized unit layouts, facilitating smoother patient flow and more efficient staff operations.
Better amenities
To create a more therapeutic environment, patients will have access to a walking loop, multipurpose space, and an enclosed outdoor patio.
Design renderings are for illustrative purposes only and the final design may vary and differ from these concepts.
Patient care space
Patient care space
Multipurpose space
Enclosed ourdoor patio
Traffic and parking
With these significant developments, a comprehensive traffic strategy has been put in place to ensure that our Emergency Department remains easily accessible to all emergency vehicles.
Construction efforts will temporarily impact some parking and pedestrian routes.
Visit our parking web page for updates and guidance
As construction progresses, Richmond Hospital remains committed to keeping the community informed about the Richmond Hospital Redevelopment Project's developments. We are building a brighter and healthier future for Richmond.
Learn more about the Richmond Hospital Redevelopment Project