[Organizational change by program and its impact]

The Pierre Janet Hospital Centre, a 110-bed short-term psychiatric treatment facility, reorganized its services based on a program-specific clientele. Operational functions are segmented according to client age. There are programs for children, teens, adults and seniors. Each program is responsible for developing, setting up and rendering a full spectrum of specialized services covering the following: reception, evaluation and orientation, treatment, re-adaptation, support to the community, research and development. Programs are managed by a team consisting of a clinical director, a psychiatrist and an administrative co-ordinator. The team reports directly to the director-general. The new structure has had a significant impact on the nursing profession: broadening of the scope of tasks, increase in professional freedom, professional recognition by the nursing community and a modified and enriched perception of the profession's practice.