When the Douglas Hospital Eating Disorders Program (EDP) was created in 1986, its team of professionals envisaged a place that would be peaceful and reassuring – where the best services would be offered and where research would bring about an increased understanding of the illness, in order that it might be treated, or even prevented. Today, the Douglas Hospital celebrates the achievement of this objective with the official opening of the Eating Disorders Program Day Hospital – a major addition to the services already offered to EDP clientele. A pavilion has been fully renovated in order to provide a favorable environment for rehabilitation.

 Together with the external clinic and the hospital unit, the new day hospital permits people with severe eating disorders to receive intensive supervision and treatment during the day, and to return to their homes each night. “A number of people suffering from anorexia or bulimia wish to benefit from our services,” notes EDP Director Howard Steiger, PhD. “With the creation of this day hospital, we can serve a larger clientele more efficiently and – most importantly – without hospitalization, whenever possible.”

An Ultraspecialized Program
The Douglas Hospital EDP is the only ultraspecialized program of its kind in Quebec to integrate care, teaching and research. The EDP team has recently shown that genetic factors, in addition to socio-environmental factors, play a key role in the development of eating disorders. The EDP also acts as a regional information centre and a centre of expertise for eating disorders.

A Warm and Friendly Environment
EDP patients now have their own pavilion on the Douglas Hospital grounds. This pavilion has undergone major renovations, thanks to a generous private donation and the support of the Douglas Hospital Foundation. The facility is airy and modern, and includes two large kitchens, where patients prepare their meals and snacks. Located on the second floor are cozy bedrooms, to which patients are encouraged to add their own personal touches. Throughout the pavilion, the décor is warm and inviting, and conducive to rehabilitation.
 

Information

Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca