This partnership comes at a time when hospitals across the province are facing staffing and capacity pressures
A new partnership between the North Bay Regional Health Center (NBRHC) and the AIDS Committee (ACNBA) is trying to expand healthcare options for patients in vulnerable communities says a news release.
“For many, the emergency department is not always the most appropriate place to seek medical care. In fact, many health issues can be better addressed in another care setting—if patients know how and where to access it,” explains the release.
The partnership will allow more options for treating wounds in the early stages, minimizing complications before they can occur, and helping reduce emergency visits and hospitalization.
However, this will not help the general population says City spokesman Gord Young. “This is not a service for the general public, but for marginalized and vulnerable populations for which the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area is a point of contact.”
Factors like age and chronic illnesses have a direct impact on the body’s natural ability to heal from a wound, putting individuals at risk of developing infections and other complications. To support ACNBA’s ability to respond effectively to common injuries, the Health Center is supplying products for wound care.
“ACNBA has long been a low-barrier access point to the medical system and a place to access wrap-around medical care for those in our community who are vulnerable, stigmatized, underserved, and unhoused,” explains Stacey Mayhall, Executive Director, ACNBA , “We look forward to collaborating for the benefit of our clients and community.”
This partnership comes at a time when hospitals across the province are facing staffing and capacity pressures.
“With the usual seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses combined with the sustained strain on our healthcare system, our ED continues to be extremely busy, leading to long wait times for some non-urgent care needs,” says Paul Heinrich, President, NBRHC. “The opportunity to collaborate with ACNBA allows many patients to receive low barrier medical care and follow-up treatment in the community, diverting as many as 125 emergency visits a month.”
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