Concerns raised about medical detox program coming to Northwest Sask.

“Council is a bit confused as to what their role is, and we are also a bit leery of what their future aspirations are, and we were also confused as to why are they are here at this time. In our facility in Ile-a-la Crosse, most of those needs are met by the medical staff or ambulance staff.”

Ile-a-la Crosse Dr. Sierra de Ciutiis explained health professionals are concerned about the lack of consultation from SHA about the program, how it will function and the potential for an increase in addictive drugs being prescribed in Northern Saskatchewan. She called the proposed program redundant because medical at-home detox is already being managing by medical professionals such as doctors and EMS.

“This does not appear to be addressing the gaps that we need to have addressed in the underlying social aspects of mental health and addiction,” de Ciutiis said.

“The program has a very colonial feeling to it. In this area, we have about 70 per cent Métis people and 30 per cent First Nations. This program is going into an Indigenous community and instituting a program without first engaging those communities, and asking their permission to come to the lands and asking for their needs and really just not addressing their needs in doing that and not being respectful of the communities and the people.”

de Ciutiis noted there are also concerns about the narrows scope of services Medavie paramedics would be providing, as well as the lack of relationship between patients and the doctors that will be prescribing the medication. She added northern-based doctors know their patient’s medical history and home life, and the doctors in Saskatoon will be prescribing drugs with limited knowledge about them.

de Ciutiis would like to see the provincial government invest more in the social aspects of withdrawal and mental health services.

“We need support with mental health and addictions and everything that surrounds that like counsellors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists,” she said, adding there was also no attempt by Medavie to integrate with the current model.

The SHA already offers the at-home detox program in other communities such as Swift Current. In an email to larongeNOW from the SHA, it was noted the program is designed to build addictions treatment capacity that will enhance existing services, reduce wait times, and help more people receive the treatment they need to overcome addictions and live healthy lives in recovery.

“Withdrawal management is part of the continuum of care to address substance use for those in need of support with withdrawal from alcohol and/or other drugs,” the email stated.

“Mobile services are meant for individuals who are considered low-risk for complicated withdrawal and may benefit from withdrawal in a home or community-based setting where family/friend support is available.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com program

by Derek Cornet

Concerns raised about medical detox program coming to Northwest Sask.

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