Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam)

Riverview Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. It opened in 1913 and was known for its progressive approach to treating mental illness. The hospital played a significant role in the development of psychiatric care in British Columbia and was at one point the largest facility of its kind in the province. Riverview Hospital closed in 2012, but its legacy continues to influence mental health care practices and policies.

History

Riverview Hospital was established in response to the growing need for a large, modern psychiatric facility in British Columbia. It was initially called the Hospital for the Mind at West Lawn when it opened its doors in 1913. The hospital was designed to provide a self-sufficient community for patients and staff, featuring its own farms, gardens, and water supply. Over the years, the hospital expanded to include several buildings and specialized units for treating different mental health conditions.

During its peak, Riverview Hospital housed over 4,000 patients and employed a staff of thousands, including psychiatrists, nurses, and support personnel. The hospital was known for its innovative treatments and therapies, including occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and the early use of pharmaceuticals in psychiatric care.

Facilities

Riverview Hospital comprised several buildings, each designed to cater to specific aspects of psychiatric care. The main buildings included:

- West Lawn Building: The original building, which focused on treating male patients. - East Lawn Building: Opened in 1930 to treat female patients. - Crease Clinic: Added in the 1950s to provide acute psychiatric care. - Cottonwood Lodge: A facility for long-term care patients.

The hospital's campus was noted for its extensive green spaces, gardens, and arboretum, which were integral to the therapeutic environment Riverview aimed to create.

Closure and Legacy

Riverview Hospital officially closed in July 2012, with services being phased out and transferred to other facilities across British Columbia. The closure marked the end of an era in psychiatric care in the province and sparked discussions about the future of mental health services and the use of the hospital's extensive grounds and buildings.

Today, the Riverview Hospital site is undergoing redevelopment, with plans to preserve some of the historic buildings for community use while integrating new mental health facilities and residential developments. The site remains a significant landmark in Coquitlam, with ongoing debates about how best to honor its history and legacy in mental health care.

Impact on Psychiatric Care

Riverview Hospital played a pivotal role in the evolution of psychiatric treatment in British Columbia. It was a pioneer in introducing patient-centered care and innovative therapies that have since become standard practices in mental health treatment. The hospital's approach to creating a therapeutic environment, emphasizing the importance of nature, recreation, and occupational therapy, has left a lasting impact on the field.

See Also

• Psychiatric hospital
• Mental health in Canada
• History of psychiatric institutions