Shared on behalf of Wayne Taylor, Director, Cardiovascular, Medicine & Renal Program, Regional Director, NW Regional Renal Program, Ontario Renal Network
We are pleased to share the dedication of four beds to acute withdrawal management, on 2A Medicine, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, effective April 1, 2025. These beds will provide focused care for patients aged 17 years of age and older, who present with acute withdrawal symptoms and require inpatient admission, primarily for withdrawal management.
The implementation of these beds represents an important step in enhancing our capacity to manage acute withdrawal in a safe, supportive environment. The key goals of this service include:
- Advancing staff knowledge in withdrawal management.
- Reducing re-admission rates and Emergency Department (ED) visits after discharge.
- Ensuring safe and effective management of withdrawal symptoms.
- Decreasing the number of patients leaving against medical advice.
To ensure effective use of these new beds, staff on 2A have received specialized training in withdrawal management, with a focus on recognizing and managing the complexities of withdrawal symptoms. Providers admitting patients to the Acute Withdrawal Management beds will consult the Addictions Medicine Consult Service (AMCS) for additional support in care delivery.
This expansion to our services demonstrates our continued commitment to providing comprehensive care to those in need of addictions medicine. By addressing these needs directly within the medical unit, we aim to improve patient outcomes.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact:
Taylor MacKenzie
Manager-2A Medicine
Hospital Elder Life Program
Acute Withdrawal Management Beds
(807) 684-6657
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients.