Released on March 15, 2019
People in Prince Albert now have access to intensive supports for those living with complex, persistent, mental health challenges. The Government of Saskatchewan has provided $4.2 million in targeted funding to launch a Community Recovery Team (CRT) in Prince Albert and seven other communities across Saskatchewan.
“The mobile, patient-centred care provided by this Community Recovery Team will have a direct, positive impact on those in Prince Albert facing complex mental health challenges,” Melfort MLA Todd Goudy said on behalf of Health Minister Jim Reiter. “Investment in this important service is another way our government has demonstrated its commitment to improving mental health supports in our province. Patients will have access to the care they need to support them within their communities.”
Community Recovery Teams use a holistic, team-based approach to help clients manage symptoms, achieve their goals, avoid hospitalization, and thrive in the community. The seven-person team includes a Team Lead, a Social Worker, an Addictions Counsellor, an Occupational Therapist and three Community Mental Health Nurses.
“Given the high service needs, including an elevated level of emergency psychiatric service for the target CRT population, one of the unique aspects of the Prince Albert team is the touch down services being provided in the local hospital’s emergency department,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Human Resource Officer Mike Northcott said. “Working collaboratively with our acute care partners, the community mental health nurses assertively engage, assess and develop care plans with mental health and addictions clients, as well as, enhance transitional care between acute and community-based programs all through the lens of flexible, client-centered care.”
CRTs support Saskatchewan’s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan and are also being launched in Regina, Swift Current, North Battleford, Yorkton, Weyburn, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
Funding comes from the Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Funding Agreement announced in January 2017. The federal government is providing Saskatchewan with close to $350 million over 10 years for targeted incremental investments in home and community care and mental health and addiction services.
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For more information, contact:
Shelley Svedahl
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: shelley.svedahl@health.gov.sk.ca
Amanda Purcell
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476
Email: Amanda.Purcell@saskhealthauthority.ca