Moncton Hospital to build new green space for mental health patients

MONCTON – The Moncton Hospital is working on a new project to turn a secure portion of its rooftop into green space for mental health patients.

The area would be located near the mental health unit and would include garden boxes and a picnic table.

Petrea Taylor is a clinical nurse specialist with addictions and mental health services with Horizon Health and says fresh air can be important therapy.

“Being outside will invite a new opportunity for relaxation getting fresh air and stress relief actually,” she said.

People who have benefited from the hospital mental health services are supporting the idea.

Justine Mactavish has been dealing with mental illness since she was a young girl.

“I remember so badly wanting to be outside of the hospital as a kid when I was admitted and I think it would be incredibly beneficial to all their patients,” she said.

The Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation is raising money for the project. It started its new fundraising campaign Wednesday.

The Foundation is looking to raise $950,000 for the new green space as well as smart beds and new fetal monitoring technology.