Government will undertake a study to create a Health Centre of Excellence at Shepody Healing Centre

DORCHESTER, NB, March 16, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced today that Correctional Service Canada (CSC) will undertake a study to create a Health Centre of Excellence at Shepody Healing Centre in Dorchester, New Brunswick.

The Health Centre of Excellence will strengthen CSC's capacity to address the mental health needs of federal offenders and will include more psychiatric in-patient services as well as various levels of mental health care.  

A CSC working group consisting of the Executive Director of Shepody Healing Centre, other senior management, and health experts has been established to advise on the service delivery model, costs, and implementation of the Health Centre of Excellence. The results of the study will be available in 2019.

Quote

"The Government takes the mental health of Canadians very seriously. Having a centralized bilingual Health Centre of Excellence in Dorchester means that federal offenders in the region will have better access to a continuity of care that will support their eventual release to the community. The Centre will also enhance public safety and facilitate relationship building with community partners and stakeholders."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Effective and timely interventions in addressing the mental health needs of offenders is a priority for CSC. The Health Centre of Excellence is an important initiative that will further address the mental health care needs of federal offenders and others in our communities."

Julie Bédard, Executive Director, Shepody Healing Centre

Quick facts

• Shepody Healing Centre is a multi-level security 53-bed accredited CSC regional treatment centre for male offenders with mental health needs. The centre provides in-patient, out-patient emergency, and consultative services to other facilities in the Atlantic region.
• Budget 2018 invested $20.4 million over five years (starting in 2018-19) and $5.6 million per year ongoing to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates, specifically women offenders in federal correctional facilities.

Associated links

• Shepody Healing Centre

SOURCE Correctional Services of Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Correctional Service Canada, 613-992-7711, [e-mail]; Vincent Hughes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-992-3474, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/