In a forward-thinking move to enhance mental health care across Renfrew County, the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families has formally invited the Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) to consider an amalgamation of its services. This proposed integration would see the Phoenix Centre’s programs become part of Mental Health Services of Renfrew County, a well-established PRH initiative serving individuals aged 16 and up.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, seamless, and high-quality mental health care for children, youth, and families.
“We believe this is the best path forward for our staff and the families we serve,” said Susan Kennedy, Executive Director of the Phoenix Centre. “This amalgamation will allow us to maintain our high standards of care while ensuring our team is supported and valued. It’s about delivering better care in a better way – especially for youth transitioning into adult services and for families navigating multiple systems of support.”
The Phoenix Centre has long been a cornerstone of child and youth mental health services in Renfrew County, supporting individuals aged 17 and under who are experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges. The proposed amalgamation is designed to preserve and enhance these services while aligning them with PRH’s broader mental health programming.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build a stronger, more unified system of care,” said Sabine Mersmann, President and CEO of Pembroke Regional Hospital. “By bringing together the expertise and dedication of both organizations, we can ensure that families receive the support they need at every stage of life, while also better supporting our health care workers with competitive compensation and benefits.”
Importantly, all services will continue to be delivered in their current locations, with no changes to contact numbers, registration processes, or documentation systems. The new designation will be:
“The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families of Pembroke Regional Hospital.”
As part of the amalgamation process, both organizations are actively engaging key partners and stakeholders to share this vision and invite feedback. Once the process is complete, a formal proposal will be submitted to the Minister of Health for final approval.
(Richard Evans)