This year’s Annual Report to the Community provided an opportunity to reflect on the many ways Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is creating a better future by advancing care at the hospital and leading within the broader health care system to enhance mental health, addiction and geriatric care.


From co-designing alternatives to emergency departments that better serve people experiencing a mental health crisis, to facilitating and enabling the provision of affordable housing options for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders who need supports to live successfully in the community, Waypoint is working with partners to respond to the growing need for mental health and addiction care in central Ontario.


“It is inspiring to look back at all that’s been accomplished in the past year to deliver on our commitment to create a better future — for patients, staff, our community and the health care sector,” said President and CEO Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, who addressed an audience of more than 100 gathered for today’s event. “These accomplishments reflect the leadership, innovation and expertise of Waypoint’s talented team who work alongside our many partners to advance our shared commitment to improve care.”


Among other highlights shared by Dr. Sunderji:


• The Waypoint Research Institute is driving positive change on a global scale, making an impact on care, outcomes and experiences. A prime example involves Dr. Andrea Waddell and her team, who are employing artificial intelligence in an early warning score system designed to make care safer — the first of its kind in an Ontario psychiatric hospital.


• The important work of creating a welcoming culture that values and respects equity, diversity and inclusion is gaining momentum. This includes providing equitable access to high-quality care that is more responsive to diverse patient needs, as well as ensuring staff are able to expand their knowledge through various training opportunities and experiences.


• A healthy and thriving workforce is a top priority at Waypoint, as shown in the free and confidential Frontline Wellness program for all health care workers across the province, as well as the adoption of a Stepped Care Model that proactively connects staff with care that supports their resilience and mental health, leading and training leaders across Central Ontario hospitals and the community support services sector in using the tool and improving organizational well-being. Waypoint also believes in providing opportunities to learn and grow; the leadership development program nurtures competent, compassionate and innovative individuals equipped to succeed in the complex health care environment.


• Construction will begin this summer on a new 20-bed acute mental health unit that will enable Waypoint, as a regional centre, to support patients and partners with the specialized and expert care they deserve. This highly anticipated unit will include the first psychiatric ICU beds in central Ontario for individuals with increased risk due to severe mental illness, an important milestone toward delivering safer care and relieving pressures on emergency departments.


Waypoint’s 2023-24 annual report, titled “A Better Future,” provides additional details of proud moments and signature achievements of the last 12 months, including numerous examples of engaging in meaningful ways with patients. The annual report can be viewed and downloaded at www.waypointcentre.ca/about_us/annual_report.


“I am incredibly proud of the staff who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional, progressive care every day at the hospital,” said Ernie Vaillancourt, Chair of Waypoint’s Board of Directors. “Everything we have accomplished is due to their dedication and commitment. Their achievements and milestones are a testament to Waypoint’s mission, vision and values. Thanks to their efforts, we are well positioned to transform mental health and addiction services for the people of Central Region and Ontario.”


The afternoon also included a panel presentation on addressing gaps in treatment for depression and anxiety. Dr. Sunderji moderated the discussion with Michael Dunn (Director, Health System Integration), Jess Ariss (Director, Collaborative Learning & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Dr. Kevin Young (Vice-President, Medical Affairs, and Chief of Staff). It was great to share about our leadership and partnerships to better co-ordinate access to care, deliver top-notch evidence based psychotherapies including enabling culturally safe care by Indigenous health service providers, and prepare for the highly anticipated expansion of neurostimulation treatment options at Waypoint for the region.


Prior to the Annual Report to the Community, Waypoint celebrated a significant moment that underlined the transformative power of partnership. TD Bank has been a remarkable supporter of Waypoint over the years, investing more than $750,000 in programs and services we offer across the region. This unwavering commitment to mental health and addiction care and research is being recognized through Waypoint’s newly renamed auditorium — now known as the TD Bank Auditorium.