Left to right: EMHAS Co-Leads Brian Bailkowski, Clinical Manager, and Dr. Katie Radchuck, Psychiatrist. Photo by Ryan Wilson IWK.
When the new IWK Emergency Department opens in 2027, patients and families seeking mental health and addictions support will benefit from a space designed with privacy, comfort and safety in mind.
The new Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Service (EMHAS) area at IWK Health includes several improvements that were shaped by feedback from patients, families and staff. This redesigned space includes enhancements aimed to create a more welcoming and supportive experience from the moment a patient arrives.
One of the most significant changes is the addition of private triage rooms with doors that close, allowing patients and families to discuss their concerns in a confidential setting.
“Being able to share your story in a private space is incredibly important,” says Brian Bailkowski, EMHAS’s Clinical Manager and Co-Lead. “The new triage rooms will provide a more comfortable environment for patients and families during what can often be a difficult and stressful time.”
The new EMHAS zone also features more dedicated assessment rooms than the current Emergency Department. This means more patients can be seen in private spaces sooner, reducing the need to wait in public waiting areas.
This improvement is especially meaningful for older adolescents. Mental health services at IWK provide care for patients up to age 19, while most other Emergency Department services are focused on patients up to age 16. Feedback from youth indicated that some older teens felt easily identified as seeking mental health support when waiting alongside younger children and families.
“In conversations with patients and families, we heard that privacy matters,” says Dr. Katie Radchuck, Psychiatrist and EMHAS Co-lead. “The additional assessment rooms and separate EMHAS waiting area directly respond to that feedback and will help many youth feel more comfortable accessing care.”
Dr. Radchuck says, “the new emergency room will also include individual triage rooms that will allow mental health and addictions patients to have more private and comfortable conversations with care providers.”
The design of the new Emergency Department also improves opportunities for safe observation throughout the space. More open layouts and better sightlines will help staff monitor the environment and respond quickly when needed, enhancing safety for patients, families and healthcare teams.
“We are hopeful that the improved sightlines and overall design will create a safer environment for everyone,” says Bailkowski. “These changes support both patient care and staff wellbeing.”
Together, these enhancements reflect IWK Health’s commitment to providing compassionate, patient- and family-centred care, ensuring those seeking mental health and addictions support receive care in a space designed to meet their unique needs.