A former leader of the Alberta Ponoka Hospital was honoured yesterday (Sept. 18) for his work in mental health.

The Centennial Centre has renamed its Adult Psychiatric Centre building to the Ken Sheehan Wing-Adult Psychiatric to recognize his contributions to mental health and psychiatric care in Alberta.

Sheehan worked as the Executive Director of Alberta Hospital Ponoka from 1984-1998.

He said it feels greats to be recognized for his efforts.

“It’s certainty an honour especially when one considers that the two other major buildings were named after the honourable Halvar Jonson and the honourable Dave Russell. I’m certainly not in that league and I’m really honoured that I would be even considered.”

Executive Director of Addiction and Mental Health Central Zone Dwight Hunks worked under Sheehan for many years and said the honour couldn’t go to a better person.

“He’s taken the facility from a facility that could not meet accreditation standards and turn into a world-class facility. He spearheaded the complete redevelopment, all the new buildings here and excellent patient-care programs.”

Sheehan also served as Area Director Central Alberta, for the Provincial Mental Health Advisory Board during his last three years of tenure.

The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury provides a range of services, including psychiatric inpatient treatment and brain injury rehabilitation, to more than 1,500 patients per year.