News
Douglas Named University Institute in Mental Health : interview with Jacques Hendlisz, Director General
2006-07-12
It’s official! The Douglas is a University Institute in Mental Health—a special designation awarded to Quebec mental health organizations with specialized expertise and a multifaceted mission. To explain the significance of this achievement to our community, we spoke with Director General Jacques Hendlisz:
Mr. Hendlisz, on June 26 the Douglas was officially named a University Institute in Mental Health. Why was this event so important?
“It was a turning point. The Douglas was formally recognized by the Agency, McGill University, and other partners for outstanding performance in care, research, teaching, and technology evaluation—as well as for leadership within McGill RUIS and for helping to implement the 2005-10 Mental Health Action Plan.
“This new status takes the Douglas to the “next level” as a mental health leader. It acknowledges us as a major force for promoting recovery, and helping to end mental illness.
“In my opinion, it stands as one of the most important days in Douglas history.”
There was a lengthy application process to become a University Institute. What was involved?
“Back in June 2003 , the Ministry of Health and Social Services asked for applications from all Quebec psychiatric hospitals wishing to receive University Institute in Mental Health status. We submitted our application in August 2003. The Ministry reviewed our proposal and interviewed our partners at length about our track record in care, research, and teaching, and technology evaluation.”
What is meant by “technology evaluation”?
“We tend to think of technology as being equipment-based. However, in the field of mental health, technology evaluation includes studying effective medications as well as assessing types of therapies which are most effective for certain types of illnesses, what approaches work best for which patients, who benefits most from which medications, who gains most from various types of testing, what types of clinical teams produce the best results….all areas in which we’ve taken a leadership role.”
What conditions must we meet to maintain this status?
“Our four main conditions involve:
- Improving accessibility in all divisions and programs to meet patient needs within acceptable timeframes, in keeping with the 2005-10 Mental Health Action Plan;
- Providing the Montreal Health and Social Services Agency with regular data on indicators related to accessibility, as agreed to in the management agreement starting this year;
- Establishing a formal written partnership on mental health with other institutions of the McGill RUIS health, in the care, services, and academic sectors;
- Taking the necessary measures to renew the medical manpower of the Douglas Hospital.
“In 2008, our performance will be reviewed. Over the next two years, we must work with our RUIS partners to meet these goals.”
Any concluding words for the Douglas community?
Yes, congratulations! Everyone involved with the Douglas has contributed towards this success. This tremendous achievement belongs to all of you.
Interview by Nancy Schmidt
Mr. Hendlisz, on June 26 the Douglas was officially named a University Institute in Mental Health. Why was this event so important?
“It was a turning point. The Douglas was formally recognized by the Agency, McGill University, and other partners for outstanding performance in care, research, teaching, and technology evaluation—as well as for leadership within McGill RUIS and for helping to implement the 2005-10 Mental Health Action Plan.
“This new status takes the Douglas to the “next level” as a mental health leader. It acknowledges us as a major force for promoting recovery, and helping to end mental illness.
“In my opinion, it stands as one of the most important days in Douglas history.”
There was a lengthy application process to become a University Institute. What was involved?
“Back in June 2003 , the Ministry of Health and Social Services asked for applications from all Quebec psychiatric hospitals wishing to receive University Institute in Mental Health status. We submitted our application in August 2003. The Ministry reviewed our proposal and interviewed our partners at length about our track record in care, research, and teaching, and technology evaluation.”
What is meant by “technology evaluation”?
“We tend to think of technology as being equipment-based. However, in the field of mental health, technology evaluation includes studying effective medications as well as assessing types of therapies which are most effective for certain types of illnesses, what approaches work best for which patients, who benefits most from which medications, who gains most from various types of testing, what types of clinical teams produce the best results….all areas in which we’ve taken a leadership role.”
What conditions must we meet to maintain this status?
“Our four main conditions involve:
- Improving accessibility in all divisions and programs to meet patient needs within acceptable timeframes, in keeping with the 2005-10 Mental Health Action Plan;
- Providing the Montreal Health and Social Services Agency with regular data on indicators related to accessibility, as agreed to in the management agreement starting this year;
- Establishing a formal written partnership on mental health with other institutions of the McGill RUIS health, in the care, services, and academic sectors;
- Taking the necessary measures to renew the medical manpower of the Douglas Hospital.
“In 2008, our performance will be reviewed. Over the next two years, we must work with our RUIS partners to meet these goals.”
Any concluding words for the Douglas community?
Yes, congratulations! Everyone involved with the Douglas has contributed towards this success. This tremendous achievement belongs to all of you.
Interview by Nancy Schmidt
