Legislative Electronic Publications -- Phase One Of Selkirk Mental Health Centre Redevelopment Receives Approval

Manitoba Government News Release:
Information Services, Room 29, Legislative Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Telephone: (204)
945-3746 Fax: (204) 945-3988

June 29, 2004

PHASE ONE OF SELKIRK MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT RECEIVES APPROVAL
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$20 Million Slated For Extended Treatment/Rehabilitation And Acquired Brain Injury Facilities: Chomiak

SELKIRK—The first phase of the redevelopment of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre focusing on long-term rehabilitative support was announced here today by Health Minister Dave Chomiak.

"Redevelopment of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre has been a long-time priority of this government," said Chomiak. "Patients and front-line providers of care deserve a facility that creates an atmosphere of privacy, comfort and dignity."

The first phase of the redevelopment will include:

a new extended treatment and rehabilitation facility for elderly people with mental health issues; and
a new neurobehavioural rehabilitation in-patient facility for individuals with severe acquired brain injuries and a separate five-bed facility for individuals with acquired brain injuries who require less intensive rehabilitation services.

The Selkirk Mental Health Centre provides long-term mental health and acquired brain injury in-patient treatment and rehabilitation services to residents of Manitoba whose treatment and rehabilitation needs cannot be met by other services throughout the province.

The new Extended Treatment and Rehabilitation and Acquired Brain Injury facilities are expected to cost in excess of $20 million.

Initial planning has occurred that will form the foundation of future redevelopment phases. Further phases will include the rehabilitation, acute and forensic programs.

"The redevelopment of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre is not just about bricks and mortar, but about providing a modern treatment environment," the minister said. "Phase two is expected to include enhancements to community-based services."

The minister noted the redevelopment of the centre is one of three major projects Manitoba Health identified as priorities in 1999.

"We identified the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) and the Brandon Regional Health Centre as capital projects that are essential to the future of health care in this province," the minister said. "I am pleased to see us proceed on this initiative now that the Brandon redevelopment is completed and the HSC redevelopment is well underway."

Completion of the Selkirk project is expected by 2007.

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