The Sackville Memorial Hospital. Image: Submitted/Horizon Health Network

Horizon Health Network is adding three more addictions and mental health social workers to emergency departments.

Based on the early success of a pilot project at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, it is being expanded to Moncton, Saint John and Miramichi.

“We are seeing more people coming to our emergency departments with addiction and mental health concerns and so we have put a plan in place to improve access to these services in our emergency departments – an initiative that aligns with the 21 recommendations we received from the provincial government,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim President and CEO. “This is one of our new initiatives focused on improving healthcare access and providing a safe and high-quality care experience for our patients.”

Mental health social workers will join a multidisciplinary team in the ED comprised of certified peer support workers, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, and a psychiatrist. The team will engage with the patient and their support to offer quality care and ensure they have the resources they need. When a patient comes to an ED with addiction or mental health concerns, they will experience this collaborative care service, delivery model.

Care has been provided to over 1900 patients in Fredericton since January as a part of the project.

Social workers have already been hired for the EDs at The Moncton Hospital, and Saint John Regional Hospital, and the process is underway for Miramichi Regional Hospital.