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On December 13th, 1861, four women from Montreal got off the train in Kingston, and began the community the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. With scarce resources, they dedicated their efforts to caring for the sick, the elderly and the orphans.
Around the same time, work was underway on the construction of Rockwood Asylum, a facility for people living with mental illness. Once completed, it would be a more supportive environment than the prison basement where psychiatric patients were originally housed.
Both stories of courage and compassion form the roots and history of our present-day Providence Care. In 2011, we are honouring that history, and all of those who have been a part of Providence Care’s evolution for the past century and a half.
At the same time, this year is about looking to the future. In March, we received the exciting news that the provincial government plans to move forward and build our new Providence Care Hospital. The new facility will provide better space for our patients and clients, as well as for our teaching and research activities. Although many details are still being worked through, we look forward to constructing and opening the new hospital in just a few years.
Our community programs are also demonstrating innovation and leadership. Providence Care’s Regional Community Brain Injury Services (RCBIS) has been asked to lend its expertise to a local initiative in Napanee, to provide enhanced residential care to adults living with brain injuries.
Additionally, in the same way Providence Care pioneered the first Community High Intensity Treatment Team (CHITT) to support mental health clients living in the community, we are in the process of proposing a new Behavioural Support Service. This new service could help support long-term care homes care for residents with complex mental health and behavioural needs.
Health Minister Deb Matthews recently visited Providence Care. We were able to tell her about our recent patient, resident and family satisfaction survey results in rehabilitation, complex continuing care and at Providence Manor. After learning that Providence Care ranks among the top in the province in many areas, the Minister congratulated our staff, physicians and volunteers on their strong commitment to the people of our region.
Providence Care’s Mission is to “enhance the quality of life” for those we serve. Our history is rich with stories of how this has been lived out, and the years ahead hold the promise of more to come.
Glen Wood
Chair, Providence Care Board of Directors
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