As KHSC’s first addiction care navigator, Khayman Wood’s goal is to build trusting relationships with patients and families and to support any goals they may have with respect to substance use and addictions.
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Matthew Manor
Building a trusting relationship, grounded in compassion, respect and understanding, is a top priority for Khayman Wood.
You see, the patients and families he supports are living with substance use disorders.
Wood is Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s (KHSC) first addiction care navigator and works closely with the Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation Team, helping to guide individuals through their recovery journey.
“The care I provide is to assist in the comfort of patients while in hospital, and then work with them to identify the best resources and supports to attain their goals as it relates to substance use and addictions,” explains Wood.
“I bring a lens of compassion and equity to ensure these folks are not ‘lost in the cracks’ of the health-care system and provide them with high-quality and relevant referrals to improve their level of community well-being.”
Wood joined the multidisciplinary team, featuring a group of physicians, nurses and other care providers who specialize in addictions, six months ago.
Together, they provide assessments, counselling and pharmacological interventions.
They also develop individualized treatment plans, share harm reduction education and supplies, and connect with partners for program referrals.
“I’m motivated by the quality of care that I and the entire team can provide for someone while they’re in hospital.
“I believe this position gives me the opportunity to truly connect with people at a time when they’re vulnerable and uncomfortable, and create trusting relationships that will yield the best results for them, entirely dependent on what goals they’re pursuing at any given time.”
Wood is not only passionate about advocating for patients and families, but also creating system change.
“Prior to working at KHSC, I used to conduct crisis emergency outreach in Ottawa and saw a glaring gap between the community and hospital in terms of care and communication. This position is a great opportunity to take what I have seen in terms of gaps and try to address it, in a community I call home.
“It’s also a great opportunity for the team and the hospital at large to intervene early with folks to prevent long-term health complications and more demand on the system.
"Whether it be pursuing harm reduction teaching for those still active in their addictions or full abstinence, I believe we have the opportunity to provide compassionate care that is both wraparound and informed by best practices.”
And as KHSC continues to expand its addiction care services, Wood is not only committed to being there for patients on their recovery journey, but also to helping navigate it with dignity, support and kindness.
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