Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford

Replacing the original hospital built in 1911, the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility with an integrated secure unit.

The new 284-bed SHNB will include 188 beds to replace the existing facility, along with an additional 96 secure beds for Corrections and Policing clients needing mental health care. While both populations will remain separate, the combined facility is expected to generate synergies in delivering mental health programming and services.

Services at the new facility include:

• Short- and long-term rehabilitation,
• Forensic client care,
• Respite care,
• Outpatient assessment, and
• Various psychosocial programs.

In addition, three smaller buildings were constructed adjacent to the main building—community reintegration units (CRUs)—designed to house and teach former patients valuable life skills before re-entering the community. The units feature a home-like atmosphere, complete with all amenities to better prepare individuals for independent living.

Design features

The new 378,000 ft² facility incorporated Lean building strategies and includes a number of design innovations:

• Facility layout was designed to maximize views of nature from client spaces and allow for easy way-finding;
• The multi-level design allows for operational efficiencies by reducing the overall building footprint, reducing travel distances for clients and staff; and

• The use of a cogeneration system to reduce energy consumption on site.