#CountdowntoThomsonCentre: Check out MGH’s new mental health and public terraces

#CountdownToThomsonCentre shares the features of Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, also known as the Thomson Centre, which opens for patients, families and caregivers on January 23, 2023. Follow along as we count down to the opening by marking different milestones and highlighting the ways the Thomson Centre helps improve the care MGH provides the community!

This week, we’re highlighting the new mental health and public terraces in the Thomson Centre.

Both of MGH’s new terraces are fully accessible, outdoor spaces.

The Michael MacMillan and Cathy Spoel Terrace, also known as the public terrace, will be open to staff, patients, caregivers and visitors. It is located on the fourth floor of the Thomson Centre and patients and visitors will be able to access the public terrace on G4.  

The Huband Moffat Family Terrace, also known as the mental health terrace, is built for mental health patients and their families. It is located on the fifth floor of the Thomson Centre.

Features of MGH’s new terraces

Once the full campus redevelopment is complete, both terraces will have views of the hospital’s main circular driveway, and in the distance, the downtown Toronto skyline.

Both of these outdoor spaces were designed with a variety of flexible seating and natural plant species. They will be enclosed with glass railings for visibility and safety.

The mental health terrace is built for mental health patients and their families. It has a garden, shade structure and benches and tables for gathering.

Benefits for patients and community

Greenery, shaded spaces, fresh breezes and sunlight can be good for healing, reducing stress and providing a soothing safe retreat. These outdoor spaces will support therapeutic care and provide a space to enjoy a natural environment. 

A 1984 study shows exposure to nature has many benefits on patient care, including faster recovery time and positive outlooks. A study of patients recovering from gallbladder removal found patients with views of trees from their room recovered at a faster pace than those whose rooms looked out onto a brick wall.

Take a look at MGH’s new Mental Health and Public Terraces in the Thomson Centre in the video below!