[Excerpt]

The move to a central intake system will create better access for patients using Cape Breton Health Authority’s addiction services.

The change will take place over the next few weeks. It will allow access to the many addiction service programs through one phone call. The first of the services to be affected will be inpatient withdrawal management, commonly called detox.

Patients calling the central intake will participate in a standard assessment.

“This process supports a more consistent response to our clients,” Dr. Linda Courey, the district’s director of mental health and addiction services, said in a news release.

“Its main purpose is to help our staff . . . clearly identify the most appropriate program for an individual.”

As an example, she pointed to the detoxification program.

“Many individuals who refer themselves for inpatient withdrawal management could actually benefit from other addiction service programs,” Courey said. “So an intake process that matches the actual client need to the treatment program should result in a more efficient use of our beds.”

[End Excerpt]

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