Ridgewood Addiction Services in Saint John will see significant upgrades after an investment of $3.8 million to enhance clinical service delivery within its rehabilitation unit.
The provincial government, the Horizon Health Network and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation will each contribute $1.27 million, the province announced Monday.
“The last two years have resulted in an increase in the need for addiction and mental health services, and in reality, the need has been increasing year over year,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch during a news conference in Saint John.
“I believe that as a government and community, not only do we have to provide the service, we also have to have a responsibility to provide the staff and those receiving the services, a safe and welcoming environment.”
Changes to clinical service delivery include transitioning from a 28-day, addiction-focused, residential service to live-in, concurrent disorder treatment over 35 to 90 days, where programming and individualized treatment planning are provided as needed.
Fitch said Ridgewood is a 75-year-old facility and the state of some of its buildings is deplorable, adding that it can make patients feel less than adequate. Renovations will be done on buildings one, two and four, so clients and families feel welcome while receiving treatment.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard told reporters the investment helps to bring much-needed change for the people Ridgewood serves.
She added that access to addiction and mental health services is one of five action areas in the government’s health plan, “Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action.”
“No one should ever be put in an environment that makes them feel less than,” said Shephard, the province’s former health minister.
“These investments, I believe, have been long overdue, and I’m proud to have been a part of bringing them forward with Minister Fitch.”
Jean Daigle, vice-president of community for Horizon Health, said the refurbishment of Ridgewood has been on his wish list for many years and is happy to see it become a reality.
He adds having a modern environment in which to receive therapy and recover is important and wants clients to feel confident that they will receive the best care.
“Whether you’re in our seven-day detox program or 28 Day rehab program, our clients and patients deserve to receive their treatment somewhere where they feel safe, secure and maybe even a little inspired,” said Daigle.
“When these buildings are refurbished with new living areas and treatment rooms, it will improve our ability to assist with their recovery journey. It will also provide a better working environment for our dedicated staff.”
