A new protocol developed by the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Peel Regional Police Service, and health care partners will launch today to benefit patients and positively impact the delivery of services by the partner organizations.
The joint Police-Hospital Transfer Protocol is an agreement between William Osler Health System (Osler), Peel Regional Police, Peel Paramedic Services, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin Branch, and Ontario Provincial Police Caledon Detachment. The agreement outlines the steps each organization will take to support persons who are experiencing a mental health or addictions-related crisis when accompanied to Osler’s Emergency Departments by police under the Mental Health Act.
This new Protocol enhances collaboration and coordination among the partners to improve the overall experience of patients, hospital, police and paramedic staff. It supports the health and safety of those involved in transfers to the hospital while also promoting public safety. The procedures and practices implemented through the Protocol also reduce police wait times in Osler’s Emergency Departments by enabling a faster transfer of patients when appropriate, leading to more effective use of police and hospital resources.
The Protocol will also better connect people experiencing a crisis with the appropriate community mental health and addictions services to meet needs, as well as support improved outcomes after they transition out of the hospital.
“Osler provides care to a growing number of patients who are experiencing mental health and/or addictions-related crisis, and by developing a more collaborative approach to care delivery we can better serve these patients and enable easier access to supports they may need after they leave our hospitals,” says Kiki Ferrari, Chief Operating Officer, William Osler Health System. “Through our collective efforts, we are proud to develop a protocol that will help address stigma and misperceptions about people with mental health and/or addictions issues.”
“The Caledon OPP is pleased to be a part of this Peel Police Hospital Transfer Protocol. I believe this partnership will reduce some of the stigma attached with a police apprehension of persons experiencing mental health and addictions crisis. This collaboration focuses on the efficient access to care and treatment to all affected persons.”
- Mike Garant, Inspector and Interim Detachment Commander – Caledon, Ontario Provincial Police.
