Over the past 37 years, the number of people living in the community with cognitive disabilities has grown significantly. In response to the growing need for support for these individuals and their families, Mackenzie Health has helped to lead the evolution of care for individuals with a wide range of behaviour challenges from across York Region, Simcoe County and beyond.
In 1977, when the hospital first began providing some of these services to the Richmond Hill area, 6 staff members provided care for approximately 125 clients annually. At that time services included general assessment and treatment. Today, with a staff of 140 people who work across York Region, Simcoe County and beyond, the Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences provides care and support for more than 2000 clients and families annually. These services are provided for a range of challenges through clinics such as the Sexuality Clinic of York and Simcoe, Simcoe County Behaviour Clinic, York Simcoe Brain Injury Services, Acquired Brain Injury Day Programs, York Region Behaviour Clinic, Central East Autism Program and Autism Behaviour Analysis Services.
Today, as part of a regular bi-annual staff and community partners meeting, the hospital celebrated the growth and evolution of services for those with cognitive disabilities. At this morning of learning and sharing with its stakeholders including partner agencies, Mackenzie Health announced the introduction of the Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences for services formerly referred to as Behaviour Management Services.
This new name better reflects the expertise in care needed for this client population and the progression of language used in assisting individuals with cognitive disabilities and concurrent behavioural challenges. The new name was developed through comprehensive discussion with the individuals and their families who receive services, as well as community partners and Mackenzie Health staff.
Among the clients that the Centre cares for are children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, as well as those living with the effects of an acquired brain injury. Through its various clinics, the Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences assists patients to remain in their community for care where they are supported to develop to their full potential, close to their support network of family and friends.
QUOTES
“Mackenzie Health’s Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences is proud to be recognized as the leader in advanced behavioural services for York Region, Simcoe County and beyond. Through this specialized care, we assist individuals and their families to enjoy a better quality of life.”
Altaf Stationwala
President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
“Today marks an important milestone in the continuing evolution of the services provided by Mackenzie Health’s Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences. The clients we serve are able to shine to the best of their abilities because of the supports available to them through this service.”
Jim Hughes, Program Manager
Centre for Behaviour HealthSciences,Mackenzie Health
“The care and dedication of the team at the Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences is second to none in their field. This event is an acknowledgment of the specialized care made possible by the Centre and the expertise of the people who provide that care.”
Nancy Webster-Lewis, Operations Director Chronic Disease
and Seniors’ Health, Mackenzie Health
For more information about services available through the Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences at Mackenzie Health, please visit the website here.
Mackenzie Health Quick Facts at a Glance
- Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional healthcare provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
- Construction on the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is scheduled to begin in 2015/16. The Hospital will be completed and operational in 2019.
- Nationally recognized for its commitment to safety and quality patient care, Mackenzie Health was also awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian healthcare provider can receive.
- Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future.
- This focus is reflected in the organization’s strategic directions: Exceptional Patient and Family Experience, Excellent Quality and Efficiency, Community-driven Growth, and Great People, Systems and Partners.
- With over 600,000 residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada.
Services Available through Mackenzie Health’s Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences
Autism Behaviour Analysis Services
This program is a partnership with Kerry’s Place Autism Services, the Children’s Treatment Network and Kinark Child and Family Services. The program provides Applied Behaviour Analysis to individuals up to the age of 17 and who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. This is a short term program of 2-6 months and focuses on four areas of need. The four areas include: communication, social/
interpersonal skills, activities of daily living (ADL) and behaviour management/ emotional regulation. For further information in York Region call (905) 773-2362 and in Simcoe County (705) 728-9143.
Central East Autism Program
The Central East Autism Program offers intensive behavioural intervention to children and youth, who are diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism. The Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences provides direct clinical interventions through Instructor Therapists and Senior Therapists who work directly with the children and parents and works in partnership with Kinark Child and Family Services who provides initial assessments and referrals. Individual program sites are located throughout York Region and Simcoe County. For further information call (905) 773-2362 or (705) 728-9143.
Sexuality Clinic of York and Simcoe
This clinic offers a comprehensive sexuality service and is offered to children and adults who have challenges with their sexual behaviour. The focus of the clinic is on promoting positive sexuality through assessment, treatment, and counseling. The concerns addressed include a wide range of problematic sexual behaviour ranging from the inappropriate to the forensic. Services are provided through individual and/or group support. Services are offered within their community to individuals living in York Region or Simcoe County. For further information call (905) 773-2362 or (705) 728-9143
Simcoe County Behaviour Clinic
The Simcoe County Behaviour Clinic provides care for individuals living in Simcoe County who have a developmental disability including those who may have Mental Health needs. Service is determined by evaluation of needs and may be provided through individual and/or group support. Behaviour intervention is provided to children and adults through a comprehensive assessment followed by positive-based teaching and programming. A full range of challenging needs is addressed and include general management issues, aggression, self-injury, skill promotion, and social problem solving. For further information call (705) 728-9143.
York Region Behaviour Clinic
The York Region Behaviour Clinic provides care for individuals living in York Region who have a developmental disability including those who may have Mental Health needs. Service is determined by evaluation of needs and may be provided through individual and/or group support. Behaviour intervention is provided to children and adults through a comprehensive assessment followed by positive-based teaching and programming. A full range of challenging needs is addressed including general management issues, aggression, self-injury, skill promotion, and social problem solving. For further information, call (905) 773-2362.
York Simcoe Brain Injury Services
York Simcoe Brain Injury Services provides behavioural and case management services to individuals who are 16 years of age and older and living with the effect of a brain injury. This service is a joint program of Mackenzie Health Behaviour Management Services and March of Dimes Canada. The aim of this community based program is to provide rehabilitative assessment, treatment, support, and training services to enable persons living with the effects of a brain injury to participate with maximum fulfillment in a state of dignity. Services are offered within their community to individuals living in York Region or Simcoe County.