Montfort Hospital's Mental Health Emergency Zone: A New Approach to Crisis Care
Ottawa's Montfort Hospital has implemented a Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) to better serve patients experiencing mental health emergencies. The MHEZ aims to de-escalate crises in a calm and supportive environment, addressing the challenges of traditional ER waiting rooms.
The Need for a Specialized Zone
Montfort Hospital sees twice the number of mental health emergency patients compared to the Ontario average. The chaotic and overstimulating environment of a typical emergency room can exacerbate symptoms like anxiety and paranoia, leading to patients fleeing or harming themselves. Dr. Kristine Levesque, the hospital's deputy chief of staff and chief of psychiatry, recognized the urgent need for a dedicated space.
Features and Design of the MHEZ
The Mental Health Emergency Zone offers a calm oasis with soft music, dimmable lights, beanbag chairs, and a water cooler. A shower and cellphone charging locker are also available. A dedicated psychiatric nurse is on-site 24/7 to provide initial assessments and de-escalation support. The zone, which opened in November 2024, can accommodate up to 10 patients.
- De-escalation Design: The environment is designed to minimize triggers and promote calm.
- Dedicated Staff: A psychiatric nurse provides specialized care.
- Safety Features: Includes anti-ligature hooks, sensors to prevent self-harm, and cameras for constant monitoring.
Positive Impact on Patients and Staff
The MHEZ has shown dramatic results. Violent incidents affecting staff have significantly decreased. Patients like Rick, who experienced a depressive episode, have praised the zone for its privacy, safety, and calming atmosphere. He noted that mental health felt like a true priority, unlike previous ER experiences.
Addressing a Broader Issue
Marion Cooper, president of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), emphasizes that Montfort's approach is part of a larger trend towards building capacity in mental health emergency care. She highlights the need for similar initiatives across the country, including in rural and northern communities, to ensure equitable access to specialized support.
The MHEZ is "all about building capacity. And I think that's where we need all of our emergency departments to be." - Marion Cooper, President, CMHA
The Future of Mental Health Emergency Care
The success of the Montfort Hospital's Mental Health Emergency Zone demonstrates the importance of tailored approaches to mental health crisis care. As Cooper suggests, establishing standards of care for psychiatric and mental health crises is crucial to ensuring all Canadians receive appropriate and timely support.
