Willett Watch

A tour through the new Willett

After years of preparation, the Willett is getting ready to show off its new digs. The Willett staff and partners are justifiably proud of the new look and new approach to programming that is earning it a reputation as an excellent local wellness resource.

On April 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. the doors will be open and dozens of people will be on hand to guide people throughout the new facility, answer questions and show them around.

Starting at the main entrance, visitors will be pleased to view the newly renovated clinic rooms lining the main hallway. This is where you will find displays on Geriatric Assessment, nutrition counseling, and diabetes education. Staff associated with these programs will be there to show the public around.

At the end of the hallway the new volunteers lounge will be open to the public with information about volunteering, both at the Willett and in the larger community. As well, the Community Well-being Teams will be giving a peak into programs that have occurred in the past and those taking place in the future.

From there, further down the hall into the “B” wing, the Secondary stroke prevention clinic provides timely access to testing and assessments and education about stroke prevention. They will be open for those who are concerned about themselves, family members or friends who may be at risk for a stroke. Stroke prevention is a widely varied topic which can include healthy eating, active living, becoming smoke-free and social/emotional well being. Following down the hall it would be worth stepping into the Minor Procedures Room. Casually termed “lumps and bumps” by doctors and staff, this is where you might come to get a wart surgically removed or have other dermatology procedures done.

Beside this, in a newly renovated meeting room, the Diagnostic Imaging department will be able to boast about the best in equipment that has been purchased and installed over the past year.

As you turn the corner, this is where you can discover some of the excellent work being done by Willett partners. The Adult Recreation and Therapy Centre (ARTC) holds an adult day program at the Willett including social, recreational and therapeutic activities. Individuals with compromised health such as Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, frail elderly, early dementia or early Alzheimer's are those already benefiting from this program.

Beside them will be representatives from the Children's Aid Society Paris team who will be showing off their new outreach offices and letting people know about the services they offer to the community.

Taking the elevator to the lower level will bring you to the new Rehab and Therapy Centre. Karen Kuzmich, the coordinator of Wellness, Healthcare and Integration calls this another “highlight of the tour” saying, “This is where numerous programs and services make their home, such as the specialized fitness programs”. Karen is referring to the programs - Ever Active, Active At Any Size and Never Too Late.

All these programs are able to take advantage of the newly expanded physiotherapy location and new state-of-the-art equipment provided. This is also the area that houses the REEACH program. In the future, planned programs that address chronic conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Adult Asthma and Congestive Heart Failure will also be located here.

At the end of the tour you can partake of some diatetic (sugar reduced) punch and snacks while checking out the new meeting/education room. Along the way will be a collection of newly framed archival photos and prints of the Willett hung throughout.

For those interested, this pleasant, informative and informal gathering is bound to satisfy anyone's curiosity into what the Willett is all about.

Peter Muir is a communications specialist with Community Relations at the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett provides urgent care, primary and community outreach services.