Brightshores hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, to officially open its newly expanded Crisis Support Program (CSP). The CSP is uniquely designed to support patients experiencing a mental health crisis in a safe environment, supported by a Psychiatrist and specially trained mental health staff. This outpatient program operates 24/7, adjacent to the Owen Sound Emergency Department.
“Completing the construction of our CSP space is incredibly exciting for our Mental Health team. This expansion will allow for greater access to care and improve patient flow as well as decrease Emergency Department wait times. The program will help with early intervention and provide valuable resources to our Emergency Services.” shared Brightshores’ President and CEO, Ann Ford.
The space includes four private patient rooms, patient washrooms, a shower room, and a Psychiatrist’s office for patient assessment. The development of this space allows for increased privacy for patients. The services available in the CSP include crisis support, intervention, and health teaching.
Naomi Vodden, Brightshores Director of Mental Health and Addictions describes the goals of the CSP, “We have a multidisciplinary team, made up of nurses, mental health staff, and psychiatrists. Our team will work together to increase our capacity for rapid access to recovery-focused crisis support and therapeutic interventions. Our focus is improving patient care and access to mental health supports.”
For some individuals, the holiday season can be an especially challenging time. Resources and help are available at https://www.brightshores.ca/mental-health-addiction-services/.
Pictured in the group “ribbon cutting” photo are:
Back Row (L to R): Ann Ford, Brightshores President & CEO; Naomi Vodden, Director of Mental Health Services; Dr. Ugwu, Psychiatrist; Tara Saab, Manager of Corporate Projects; Steve Sherman, Engineering Project Manager; Kate Barnard, Project Manager; Judy Shearer, VP of Patient Care & Quality, CNE; Grijo John, Mental Health Manager; Helen Jones, Nurse Clinician; Klayton MacDonnell, RPN; Jennifer Virtue, Supervisor Mental Health & Addictions.
Front Row (L to R): Shannon Reinelt, Mental Health Manager; Robyn Nocilla, Nurse Practitioner RAAM Clinic; Kerri Burns, Mental Health Nursing Coordinator; Kylie Nowak, Manager of Emergency Department – Owen Sound; and Candice Baillie, Mental Health Administrative & Project Assistant.