Specialized nurses strengthen substance-use care in Fraser Valley

Addiction assessment nurses have been deployed in nine emergency departments within the Fraser Health region to aid patients struggling with substance-use issues. Since its inception in 2020, the program has successfully connected over 6,000 patients to essential treatment and recovery services. Minister of Health Josie Osborne remarked on the necessity of compassionate care to alleviate barriers for those in crisis. The initiative expanded in April 2024, now employing 30 full-time-equivalent nurses across various hospitals, including Surrey Memorial and Burnaby Hospital. Nurse Decery Frondoso shared an example of how support helped a patient manage their transition and reduce the risk of relapse.

This program reflects a growing demand for immediate access to substance-use services in emergency settings. Similar health-care roles exist throughout British Columbia, contributing to the province's ongoing commitment to improving mental health and substance-use support. Investments in trauma-informed care aim to enhance patient outcomes and ensure timely assistance for those facing these challenges.