Correctional Facility/Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Opens
JUSTICE/HEALTH--Correctional Facility/Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Opens
The Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility and East Coast Forensic Psychiatric Hospital were officially opened today. Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening were Michael Baker, Minister of Justice, Jamie Muir, Minister of Health and Bob Smith, CEO, Capital District Health Authority.
"We are entering a new era for Correctional Services and it is one that bodes well for the future," said Mr. Baker.
The Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility will house 272 offenders, including 48 female offenders housed in a separate unit.
State of the art security features include enclosed high security exercise yards, improved sight lines and single-cell design, which provide a safer, more secure atmosphere. In addition, there is a 4.2-metre security fence, a 2.4-metre no-trespass fence and strategically placed cameras and electronic surveillance equipment, which add to the secure environment.
"The East Coast Forensic Psychiatric Hospital will be a place for research and teaching," said Mr. Muir. "But above all, it will be a first-class facility for treating individuals who suffer from serious psychiatric disorders."
The East Coast Forensic Psychiatric Hospital will consist of two rehabilitation units with 30 beds in each; a mentally ill offender unit, providing 12 beds for treatment and 12 for court- ordered assessments; and two transition units with seven beds. In addition, the hospital will administer a community program that provides strict guidelines and supervision for patients who have been discharged into the community.
The hospital will provide a high level of security to ensure the safety of patients, staff, visitors and the community.
"The opening of this facility is another step towards an integrated health system, with a focus on the needs of the community," said Mr. Smith.
The facilities, which are the first of their kind in Canada, cost $60 million and were completed within budget. Patients and offenders will be moved into the new facilities over the next several weeks.