Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a public hospital located in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. It specializes in providing assessment and treatment services for individuals with complex and serious mental illnesses. The hospital follows evidence-based approaches and best clinical practices to ensure successful outcomes for patients.

Ontario Shores offers a recovery-oriented environment of care that emphasizes compassion, inspiration, and hope. The hospital employs interprofessional teams that work with patients and their families throughout their recovery journey. Services provided include assessment, crisis intervention, consultation, and education.

In addition to its clinical services, Ontario Shores is actively involved in raising awareness about mental illness, educating healthcare practitioners, and training the next generation of mental health care specialists. The hospital is accredited by Accreditation Canada and operates with the support of the Central East Local Health Integration Network (Central East LHIN) and the Ministry of Health.

The history of Ontario Shores dates back to 1911 when the architect James Govan designed the Whitby Hospital. Unlike previous mental health facilities, Govan's design focused on creating a more humane and therapeutic environment. The hospital consisted of cottages where patients lived and received treatment, allowing for natural sunlight and freedom of movement.

The hospital's location, approximately 50 km east of Toronto, provided patients with access to fresh air, sunshine, and ample space for walking. Construction on the hospital continued during World War I, and it officially opened in 1919. Since then, Ontario Shores has evolved and expanded to become a leading mental health care provider in Ontario.

Ontario Shores is regulated by the Public Hospitals Act, the Mental Health Act, and other provincial and federal legislation. It continues to prioritize the well-being and recovery of individuals with mental illness through its comprehensive and specialized services.