Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital

Programs & Services

Northumberland Veterans Unit

Accommodations include four semi-private and 12 private rooms. Each spacious room is attractively furnished with a large window, shelf unit, closet, bed and bedside table, desk and bathroom with toilet and sink. Emergency call bells are located beside or on each bed and in the bathroom. Doors can be locked from the inside for intimate or private visits.

Rooms are assigned based on availability and need.

The unit also includes a large recreation room with a small kitchenette, dining area, smoking room, shower and whirlpool tub room, several small seating areas, a chapel, a sunroom and a quiet room for private visits. Also, a secured courtyard with a paved walkway, elevated gardens and seating areas can be enjoyed outside during the nice weather, or from the adjacent solarium inside. Our wheelchair accessible main entrance boasts a patio and flower gardens overlooking scenic Pictou Harbour.

The unit has a wander guard system for the protection of those veterans who suffer from memory loss or tend to wander as a result of Alzheimer's or other related dementias. These veterans wear a small bracelet that signals an alarm to ring if they inadvertently go out an exit unescorted.

This facility is scent free and smoke free. Smoking is considered a health hazard, and the smoking policy restricts the use of cigarettes to the smoking room for resident veterans only. Family or friend supervision is required if safety is a concern.

The Veterans Council allows veterans, or invited family members on their behalf, to exercise their rights by expressing their opinions and participating in decisions affecting their daily lives. It also promotes communication among administration, the Legions, Veterans Affairs Canada and the veterans by allowing for discussion and promoting interest and friendship.

Mission Statement - The Northumberland Veterans Unit is committed to caring for veterans in a safe, homelike environment, working with family and community, to make their life more meaningful.

We believe we can best achieve our mission by fostering a strong spirit of unity with staff, veterans and families to give a sense of belonging and growth for everyone involved.