Approximately 100 research projects have come to a standstill at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute due to flooding that damaged four laboratories last week. The aging infrastructure of the building played a significant role in the incident.
During a press conference in Quebec City, Québec solidaire (QS) criticized the Legault government for its lack of action regarding the renovation of the Douglas Institute. Despite the government’s announcement in 2020 to modernize the institution, the project has not progressed beyond the planning stage.
Alejandra Zaga Mendez, QS finance spokesperson and MNA for Verdun, where the Douglas Institute is situated, urged the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government to expedite the project’s progress from planning to execution without delay.
“We demand one thing: fast-tracking the modernization of the Douglas Institute. The situation is critical, and action is needed urgently,” Mendez stated.
Background:
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, QS’s health critic, emphasized the need for a concrete timeline and financial commitment for the reconstruction work. “Patients and staff are struggling. It’s time for a start date,” he asserted.
The flooding incident on January 26 was just one aspect of the ongoing issues faced at the Douglas Institute, according to professionals from the institute. Problems include vermin infestations, insulation issues, and inadequate heating and ventilation for patients.
A widely circulated video captured the flooding, showcasing the damage to costly laboratory equipment and infrastructure. Sylvain Williams, a long-serving scientist at the Douglas Institute, highlighted the extensive loss of scientific instruments and the disruption to ongoing research activities.
The closure of the building due to the damages is expected to last for several months, impacting over a hundred research projects and disrupting the learning experience for many university students involved in research at the Douglas Research Centre.
The Douglas Research Centre is renowned internationally for its contributions to mental health research, particularly in Alzheimer’s research. The halt in research activities not only affects ongoing projects but also hinders progress in developing new treatments and understanding mental health diseases.
