St. Mary's Hospital addiction services could go to House of Friendship

People may no longer be able access addiction and counselling services at St. Mary's Hospital if the proposal to transfer those services to House of Friendship (HOF) is approved.

The proposal to move services to HOF, raised by both organizations, will go before Waterloo-Wellington Local Integration Health Network's (WWLHIN) board meetingon March 28.

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"It really is to look at ensuring our clients are able to access broader services and more complex services that are provided by our partner at the House of Friendship," Sherri Ferguson, vice president of quality, people and performance at St.Mary's Hospital told CBC News.

Pam McIntosh, addiction services director atHOF,said their organization deals with the bulk of addiction treatment services in the region and the transfer of services was "a good match."

"HOF and St. Mary's counselling have a strong focus on patient quality of care," she said.

The transfer of addiction counselling services to HOF couldsee expansion of those services to underservedareas of Waterloo region, such as Cambridge, to meet increasing demands and helpunder-resourcedprograms.

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McIntosh said residential treatment is an example, which isfor people with the most serious substance use issues and concerns.

The transfer would also allow for an easier transition between different levelsof care and minimizethe duplication of services withinWaterloo region.

If the WWLHIN board approves the proposal, HOF willbegin to provideaddiction counselling services as of June 1.