Bluewater Health has opened a temporary mental health facility in Sarnia in case there's a spike in cases due to COVID-19.
The hospital said Thursday it has signed a short term lease for a Mental Health Inpatient Post-Acute Care facility on Exmouth Street.
It's an emergency back-up if more space is required to help those in need during the pandemic.
Bluewater Health said patients who are moved to the 12-bed facility that opened April 23, will be in stable condition and almost ready for complete discharge from hospital.
Vice President of Mental Health and Addiction Services Paula Reaume-Zimmer said COVID-19 hasn't decreased the community's need for mental health care.
"The safety and security of the Sarnia-Lambton community, and Bluewater Health patients and staff is our top priority," said Reaume-Zimmer. "As efforts continue to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 and manage capacity in our hospital, this short term facility gives us the necessary flexibility to meet rapidly evolving demands and provide patients with the best treatment options."
Reaume-Zimmer said the facility, providing a more home-like environment, will be run by Bluewater Health staff, and supervised 24/7. It will operate under the same infection prevention and control protocols, and visitor restrictions, as the main hospital.
She said they're working with local healthcare partners to make sure patients are well cared for even after they've been sent home.
She thanked Elite Property Group, Tepperman's, Home Depot, Marcotte Disposal, Capes Movers, and Transco for their help in preparing the site.
-With files from Colin Gowdy & Dave Dentinger
