NEWS RELEASE
SAULT AREA HOSPITAL
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Sault Area Hospital Foundation is pleased to receive a $25,000 grant from RBC Foundation in support of the Children’s Adolescent and Psychiatry Program at Sault Area Hospital.
Safewards is a model of care for Mental Health and Addictions Programs that is designed to reduce conflict without using containment. It is currently being implemented at Sault Area Hospital. The primary goal of the Safewards model is to reduce restraints and seclusion with the hope that the therapeutic interventions will help improve staff and patients’ therapeutic interactions and focus on helping the patient recover. The model includes 10 interventions grounded in recovery principals to guide staff and patient interactions.
“Safewards is creating a more therapeutic and engaging environment for patients and staff of our local Mental Health and Addictions Program,” said Heather Hickey, Director, Collaborative Practice and Mental Health and Addictions, Sault Area Hospital. “Safewards encourages active communication to build an environment of trust. It ultimately helps develop better therapeutic outcomes.”
RBC Foundation’s $25,000 combined with the support of local donors is helping ensure that patients of Sault Area Hospital will benefit from this program focused on improving outcomes.
“This is a perfect example of how it can take many organizations coming together to make a major difference for our local hospital,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director, Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “To help implement and maintain Safewards, our Foundation needed support from dozens of individuals and organizations. RBC’s contribution, combined with the support from others in our community, will make an impact on both our staff and patients.”
“We recognize the importance of mental well-being on a young person’s ability to achieve success, and their success directly impacts the strength of our communities, schools and workplaces,” said Scott Simon, Regional Vice President, RBC. “Through our partnership with Sault Area Hospital, we’re delighted to contribute to an approach that supports a safe and trusting environment to help youth patients develop the skills to cope, thrive and to achieve the best version of their selves. We’re honoured to help make a difference in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District.”
On behalf of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Executive Director and Staff, we would like to thank RBC Foundation for the generous contribution to local mental health and addiction services in our community.
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