Program Enhances Care For People In Emergency Department Who Are Experiencing A Mental Health Crisis

A program introduced by Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in partnership with six other hospitals in central Ontario is better serving patients who present to an emergency department (ED) with a mental health crisis by providing timely specialized psychiatric consultations and referrals for follow-up care and support.

Since January 2023, approximately 160 patients have been supported by the Urgent Outpatient Psychiatry Consultation Service, with 110 of them further benefiting from follow-up care from Waypoint. The result is better care for patients seeking help for a mental health crisis, fewer admissions to hospital when appropriate, fewer return visits to busy EDs for unmet needs, and improved capacity to serve other patients requiring emergency care and/or access to inpatient beds.

“This program is making a difference both for patients and partner hospitals,” said Dr. Kevin Young, Vice-President, Medical Affairs, and Chief of Staff. “By working as a team and better using existing mental health resources, we can provide timely expert assessments in emergency departments and follow-up appointments within six days on average.”

The program has gradually expanded to include the six general hospitals currently utilizing the service. Known as non-Schedule 1 hospitals, they do not provide inpatient psychiatric care. Their ED physicians refer to a specialist psychiatrist at Waypoint to address patients’ immediate concerns, and an appointment is arranged before they leave the ED.

“Collingwood General and Marine Hospital has greatly benefited from the Urgent Outpatient Psychiatry Consultation Service,” said Rosemary Frketich, Vice-President, Patient Services, and Chief Nursing Executive. “Since its launch in early June, the service has facilitated approximately a dozen community connections, ensuring timely mental health support and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.”

One patient who got the care she needed after arriving in crisis at West Parry Sound Health Centre said the service made a huge difference for her.

“Having this in place was like a miracle,” she said. “I would say it saved my life.”

As important as the response to the initial crisis was, she said the follow-up care was equally vital. She continues to receive support in the form of in-person appointments with a Waypoint psychiatrist, recommended readings and an ongoing care plan.

“People in crisis can really be helped by this urgent response program,” she said. “It was so important to me getting the care I needed.”

KEY FACTS

• North Simcoe and Muskoka has the highest rate of mental health and addiction-related ED visits per capita in Ontario Health Central Region, and the highest rate of hospital admissions from EDs.
• Mental health and addiction-related visits to EDs in north Simcoe and Muskoka have increased by 36 per cent over the past 15 years.
• For every four people who visit an ED for mental health and addiction reasons, one returns within 30 days, suggesting those who do not require admission are not having their needs met in the community.