Rio Tinto
A world leader in metals & mining, Rio Tinto is also well known for its strong social commitment, both here in Quebec and abroad. When plans were first laid out for a new Children’s and new MUHC on the Glen site, it was no surprise that the multinational immediately took an interest in the project and responded to our call for support.
“Taking part in the construction of a new hospital is a rare opportunity,” explained Michelle Adams Principal Adviser, Communications and communities, Aluminium at Rio Tinto. “We knew this project would have a major impact on the entire community for generations to come. We were also attracted by the promising innovation that is directly in line with Rio Tinto’s vision, particularly in the area of sustainable development.”
This kind of innovation is what led the new Children’s and MUHC to become LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). One of the first university hospitals to achieve this designation in the province, the Québec government has since made it a standard for future healthcare development.
“Another aspect of the new Hospital that really caught our attention was that it was conceived with great attention not only to functionality, but also to creating a welcoming and healing environment,” said Ms. Adams. “This is what led us to get directly involved with the patients’ gardens at the new Children’s.”
A special outdoor place for patients and their families
“Access to proper green space has long been known to contribute to easing distress and improving recovery,” explains Dr. Micheline Ste-Marie, Associate Director of Professional Services. “As part of the Children’s holistic approach to treating the child, offering an outdoor space dedicated for in-patients and their families at the new hospital was high up on our wish list during the planning stage.”
“The outdoor setting offers real benefits to our patients – fresh air, quiet space, a chance to get outside the hospital to play or just relax,” explains Marie-France Haineault, Child Life Services Coordinator at the Children’s. “I belong to a team focused on responding to the emotional needs of patients and their families, and we couldn’t be more grateful to be able to offer this space to our patients.”