Islanders struggling with addictions will benefit by improved access with the recent addition of three new front-line positions, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“These new positions will ensure more timely access to services and help people navigate the system more easily,” said the minister. “Government is committed to ensuring Islanders receive the resources and support they need to lead a healthy life. Our investment in these additional resources will make it easier for Islanders, especially those with complex needs, to gain access to the services they require.”
The positions include an addictions patient navigator, an outreach social worker and a complex case coordinator.
The addictions patient navigator will help clients gain access to the support, recovery and care services they need within the system. This could include working with a specific group or service to let them know that a client needs their services and then assisting the client in accessing those services. This role will also develop a provincial intake system for addictions that will streamline the admission process for clients. The goal of this new system is to ensure the individual is provided with the right service with the right provider at the right time.
The outreach social worker is responsible for working with clients in the system to develop an individual case plan. This case plan will provide clients with a strategy for moving forward in their recovery. For example, the social worker may create a plan for the client to attend specific education and counseling sessions while in the Transition Unit and work closely with the individual to identify the resources required to support a return to their community and regular way of life.
The complex case coordinator position is a highly skilled position with addiction and mental health expertise. This individual will work with a group of clinicians and program experts to coordinate services for the most complicated cases and provide the most effective and efficient care for individuals.
“We’re very pleased that the patient navigator and the outreach social worker positions have already been filled and the complex case coordinator has been posted and will be filled soon,” said Health PEI’s executive director of acute care and mental health and addictions, Pam Trainor. “All these positions are focused on improving case management and continuity of care across service areas to ensure clients receive the most appropriate and effective care.”
For more information about addictions services on Prince Edward Island, visit: www.healthpei.ca/addictions.