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Changes to P.A. addictions services help struggling clients

May 11, 2016 | 12:10 PM

Those suffering with mental health and addictions issues in Prince Albert will soon receive the help they need.

According to the Parkland Health Region, it’s estimated that two-thirds of mental health patients have an underlying substance abuse issue. Often times patients were either not referred to addictions counselling or they refused treatment altogether. Many patients left the hospital without receiving the help they needed.  

“We’ve strengthened our referral process from the inpatient unit to the addictions outpatient unit. We’ve made a stronger connection between those two services,” Dori Gaudet, Community services Regional director, said. “We weren’t offering education before and we’re doing that now to assist clients in their addiction issues.”

Upon discharge, patients with underlying mental health issues would be referred to addiction services. Both a nurse and doctor must sign-off on a patient after a list of checks is performed. In addition to one-on-ones, the health region will now offer group counselling and daily education sessions.

Gaudet said there is also an intake worker available to help patients access services. They are also given after-hours phone numbers if they’re again in need of immediate assistance.

“We’re hoping this will strengthen the pathway and the referral process for clients so there is a smoother transition for them to access service in the community,” she said. “With the education sessions, we’re hoping to make clients aware of what substances can do and how they can start addressing those issues themselves.”

 

Miranda.brumwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @mlbrumwell