Building a better hospital

Thanks to an outstanding $2.5-million philanthropic gift and significant government support, the Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department opened in October 2014, doubling the space available for 24/7 care for people in crisis. The space is a crucial next step in CAMH’s ongoing redevelopment and efforts to help more people recover faster.

The new emergency department is a warm and welcoming space with improved privacy and comfort for acutely ill patients. Here, CAMH provides urgent care for some of the most seriously ill people in Ontario.

The emergency department is now equipped with two waiting areas, allowing greater privacy and faster access for people in need of less acute care; double the number of patient interview rooms; a comfortable patient lounge area; a private quiet room for families; staff training spaces; and natural light in each room of an eight-bed emergency assessment unit. This renovation is the first phase of a two-part vision to expand and consolidate emergency services at CAMH’s Queen Street location in the years ahead.

"Gerry and I are inspired by CAMH’s vision for the future," says Shanitha Kachan. "Bringing emergency services into the larger redevelopment at Queen Street and creating a safe and effective place for people in crisis is so important. We are privileged to be involved."

"Our government is pleased to support this important mental health initiative with a $4.2 million grant," says Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "I commend CAMH staff, volunteers and donors for their commitment to improving the way Ontarians receive care when faced with mental health challenges. By investing in CAMH, Ontario is working to transform and strengthen mental health services, helping to connect people with the care they need."

Shanitha and Gerald strongly support CAMH and its mission to create a world in which everyone believes that life is worth living. Gerald has joined CAMH Foundation’s Breakthrough Campaign Cabinet to help drive philanthropic support for CAMH, and Shanitha is a Director on the CAMH Foundation Board. As part of her orientation, Shanitha devoted a full day to watching the CAMH team at work in the crowded emergency department, before the renovations began. This drives her passion for helping CAMH provide welcoming spaces for patients and, in this case, a more modern emergency department that matches the warmth and professionalism of CAMH staff.

The emergency department redevelopment also received significant support from Goodmans LLP. Corporate support is important because it demonstrates that the community believes in the care we provide.

With rising awareness of mental health, visits to the emergency department at CAMH have grown steadily, with 76 per cent more visits in 2014 than in 2006.

"Let me be clear: more people coming in for help is a good thing," says CAMH President & CEO Dr. Catherine Zahn. "Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, we now have the kind of welcoming, therapeutic space that patients and families in crisis deserve."