Managing the crisis

Fraser Health said in late August it would make a number of changes to improve its response to the opioid crisis. Here is an update from chief medical health officer Dr. Victoria Lee:

Promise: In addition to clinics already operating in Surrey, to open more in other cities to offer treatment for opioid addiction, such as medications like Suboxone and methadone.

Update: An Abbotsford clinic opened in September and is still ramping up its services. Burnaby, Mission and Chilliwack clinics are to open by the end of this month. Langley’s will take a bit longer.

Promise: Emergency departments will identify people who may be at risk and offer supports such as first-line treatment (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder.

Update: This has started in Burnaby and will be rolled out to other hospitals. Not everyone wants to start treatment, but anecdotally some have accepted the help, including one young man who has now been able to return to school and part-time work.

Promise: Contact all patients who overdosed at home within 48 hours of discharge from emergency departments to assist them in accessing services.

Update: This has been started in Surrey and will be expanded to other cities. Not everyone wants such help, but some have agreed to receive more information about naloxone and some have agreed to pursue treatment.

Promise: Notify family physicians when their patients overdose and encourage the doctors to reduce barriers to getting naloxone. And work with other health professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors to enhance options for pain management available to people suffering from chronic pain. Update: Work has started on both.