Earlier this week, the provincial government announced additional social workers in some WInnipeg area hospitals. Closer to home, Prairie Mountain Health is already ahead of the game, and starting to get ahead on the next.
The Brandon Regional Health Centre has had social workers in their emergency room for many years. To expand the level of care they can provide, both the Brandon and Dauphin Regional Health Centres have Mental Health Liaison Nurses, designed to help people showing mental health related concerns.
In an emailed statement, PMH CEO Treena Slate said having both of those positions within a hospital is absolutely vital to providing the highest level of care they can.
"Social Workers and Mental Health Liaison Nurses complement each other’s skill set and work together at these sites. A multidisciplinary team approach to care in ERs helps support patients in a fulsome, holistic way," read part of the statement.
Looking ahead, PMH plans to add Mental Health Liaison Nurses to Russell, Virden, Killarney, Swan River, and Neepawa.
