FORWARD
2026
Creating trauma-informed spaces that support healing For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, the emergency department can be an overwhelming place. Long waits, bright lights, noise, and sparse rooms without natural light or privacy can heighten anxiety and distress—particularly for patients with a history of trauma. In these critical moments, the physical environment matters. The spaces where care begins can either add to a person’s stress or help them feel safe enough to start healing.
With donor support, Calgary Health Foundation has the opportunity to transform psychiatric emergency spaces at Foothills Medical Centre and Rockview General Hospital into environments designed with trauma-informed principles at their core. This $11 million project will help support the 6,000 psychiatric emergency patients who visit these hospitals annually. Research shows that thoughtfully designed spaces reduce agitation, improve safety for patients and staff, and enhance the overall quality of care. By reimagining these areas, we can ensure that individuals in crisis are met with dignity, comfort, and compassion from the moment they arrive.
Today, patients may wait hours—or even days— for admission to an inpatient unit, often in rooms that are minimally furnished, without windows, nearby washrooms, or comfortable space for family members. For someone already in distress, these surroundings can intensify feelings of isolation and fear. A trauma-informed redesign will create calm, welcoming spaces that promote healing rather than risk re-traumatization. Renovations will introduce access to natural light, centralized nursing stations that allow for attentive observation while respecting privacy, washrooms with showers, and designated sitting areas where families can remain close and supportive. The updated layout will use space more efficiently, enhance safety and security, and better balance patient privacy with clinical oversight. This initiative represents a meaningful shift in how we deliver psychiatric emergency care. It is part of a broader trauma-informed care strategy that recognizes the deep connection between environment and wellbeing. When patients feel safer, care teams can work more effectively. When families feel welcomed, they can better support their loved ones. And when spaces are designed intentionally, the entire system benefits. With philanthropic investment, we can transform these environments into places of stability and compassion—spaces that acknowledge vulnerability and foster recovery. Together, we can ensure that when someone reaches out for help in their most difficult moment, they are met not only with expert care, but with surroundings that support healing from the very start.
Photo: iStock
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