Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital Launches Dedicated Mental Health Zone

Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital has opened a dedicated Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) to address the rising number of patients experiencing mental health crises. This initiative, launched in November 2024, aims to provide a calming environment tailored specifically for individuals facing psychological emergencies, a stark contrast to the often chaotic atmosphere of traditional emergency rooms.

The hospital sees more than twice the provincial average of mental health emergency patients, with approximately 8% of all ER visitors experiencing such crises compared to 4% in the rest of Ontario. This increase has been particularly notable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Marion Cooper, president of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

A Safe Haven for Patients in Crisis

Dr. Kristine Levesque, the hospital’s deputy chief of staff and chief of psychiatry, described the MHEZ as a necessary response to a pressing need. The new zone features a tranquil environment with soft music, adjustable lighting, and comfortable seating. Patients can find amenities such as a bathroom with a shower and a cellphone charging locker, all designed to ease stress and promote recovery.

The facility can accommodate up to 10 patients at a time, allowing for immediate redirection from the main ER triage. A psychiatric nurse is on duty around the clock to conduct initial assessments and provide immediate support, ensuring that patients receive the care they need promptly.

Levesque emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, especially given the alarming incidents that have occurred in the past. In one case, a patient died by suicide in the ER, prompting a coroner’s investigation. Another incident involved an attempted sexual assault on a psychiatrist, highlighting the urgent need for a specialized space to handle mental health emergencies.

Transforming Emergency Care

The MHEZ features several safety enhancements to prevent incidents of self-harm and aggression. For instance, the doors are fitted with automatic closures, and anti-ligature hooks have been installed to eliminate potential hanging points. Additionally, the furniture is designed to be immovable, and surveillance cameras allow staff to monitor patients continuously.

This initiative came to fruition through a successful fundraising campaign that raised $2 million in a remarkably short period of just 18 weeks. The campaign was led by the Montfort Hospital Foundation, demonstrating strong community support for mental health initiatives.

Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. One patient, referred to as Rick for privacy reasons, expressed relief at being directed to the MHEZ during a depressive episode. He described the area as “private, spacious, clean, new, segregated, and safe,” allowing him to relax and focus on his recovery without the distractions of a typical ER environment.

Reports indicate that the MHEZ has not only benefited patients but also significantly improved conditions for healthcare staff. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the hospital saw a 30% reduction in violent incidents affecting staff for the first time in five years, which further decreased to 50% six months later.

Levesque noted that prior to the zone’s opening, many staff members were reluctant to come to work due to safety concerns. Now, they feel more secure and supported, allowing them to focus on providing high-quality care.

Cooper highlighted that while initiatives like the MHEZ are promising, similar approaches need to be adopted across Canada, particularly in rural areas with fewer resources. She emphasized the necessity for mental health to be treated with the same urgency as physical health, advocating for a comprehensive mental health care system that is trauma-informed and accessible to all.

As Montfort Hospital continues to pave the way in mental health emergency care, the success of the MHEZ serves as a model for other healthcare facilities seeking to create supportive environments for individuals in crisis.