inter-agency magic for J

Outstanding collaboration can be the key to getting a patient struggling with addictions and homelessness housed. That’s how J went from major surgery and four months in a hospital bed, through Detox, to his new home.

The Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) staff had a big challenge. A patient just went through surgery on a lower leg bone and, to heal, he couldn’t put weight on that leg for four months. But this patient had medical, mental health, addictions, and homelessness support needs. How and where could he safely recover?

Fortunately, RAH Social Workers and GSS Shelter/Detox staff built a strong collaborative connection over the past year. In J’s case, this was just ‘what the doctor ordered’. At first, David Kerr, Coordinator, at Shelter/Detox says, the patient wasn’t so sure. “What’s amazing about J” says David, “is that he didn’t want to come here at all.”

David took a chance and went to the hospital in person to explain the short and longer-term support GSS could provide. It worked. J agreed to transfer to GSS where he qualified as an extended Detox participant because of the multiple support needs. When his stay at Detox was ending, J came to David, close to tears, saying “I had no idea what I could get here. I’m so grateful.”

David sums up the power of J’s story as “a wonderful example of intra-agency supports within GSS working collaboratively to bridge the gaps in the continuum of care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.” J’s Housing First Worker reports that he was successfully housed within two months and connected with an e4c worker for comprehensive support. The magic power of collaboration continues.