HSN program helps patients avoid unnecessary emergency visits

It’s a common occurrence – people in Greater Sudbury who are impaired due to substance misuse are brought by ambulance to the emergency department, which may not be the best setting for their needs.

But a new pilot project involving Health Sciences North and Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services is proving successful in helping people who are impaired due to addictions get care sooner, while avoiding a trip to the emergency department.

Under the Emergency Department Diversion project, Greater Sudbury paramedics who respond to a call involving someone who is suffering the effect of substance misuse, will provide an assessment and potentially divert the patient to the hospital's withdrawal management services, bypassing the emergency department.

The withdrawal management services provide a safe environment where individuals receive supportive care to help them through their withdrawal process.

If a person is dealing with a mental health crisis, paramedics can also assess and refer them to the hospital's crisis intervention services, which provide support for people dealing with an immediate mental health crisis, many of whom also struggle with addictions.

To assess patients with substance abuse and mental health issues, Greater Sudbury paramedics received special training from hospital staff and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“Sudbury Paramedic Services is pleased to work alongside our health care partners at Health Sciences North. This pilot program empowers our paramedics to help ensure timely assessment, care and treatment of medically stable people to appropriate locations for assessment and treatment," said Jennifer Amyotte, commander of community paramedicine and professional standards for Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services, in a press release.

Since it launched in June, the emergency department diversion pilot has diverted 53 people to withdrawal management services, and another 14 people to crisis intervention.