Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) will be expanding services at its Detoxification Centre, increasing access to medically supported addiction care in eastern Ontario, with $1,840,000 in new funding from Ontario Health.
KHSC’s Detoxification Centre is the only publicly funded withdrawal management centre located between Ottawa and Oshawa. It is a critical lifeline for people across eastern Ontario who are ready to begin recovery from drug and/or alcohol misuse. Without it, many would face risky withdrawals at home, long wait-times, or travel hours for support.
Currently operating a Level II medically supported model, it will transition into a Level III detoxification site with 24-hour medical services. This enhances the types of medical support available to clients while they experience their withdrawal.
“For many people struggling with alcohol or drug dependence, taking the first step toward recovery can be overwhelming. This program provides a safe, supportive place to start.” says Dr. David Pichora, KHSC’s President and CEO. “This funding marks a significant step forward in how we support individuals in our region, ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”
In the last year, the centre supported more than 760 clients, resulting in approximately 1,200 admissions. It operates on a self-referral model and uses evidence-based best practices to care for individuals with significant substance-use related needs.
“As the local drug supply becomes increasingly toxic, clients are presenting to the hospital sicker and with more medical complications than ever before,” says Dr. Taras Reshetukha, co-Program Medical Director of Mental Health and Addiction Care at KHSC. “The presence of more potent drugs has led to more severe withdrawal symptoms, which require more intensive monitoring and longer stays.”
“By adding new medical supports to the current services we offer, we can reduce visits to the Emergency Department and help clients complete withdrawal safely, while managing both physical and mental health components of addiction, and reducing the risk of readmission or relapse.”
The funding will support several major program enhancements:
- Addition of four new medical support beds for clients with medium- to high-level medical needs.
- Addition of 24/7 Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) coverage to ensure continuous regulated clinical oversight.
- Addition of Nurse Practitioner (NP) position for weekend coverage, complementing the current weekday NP.
- Reclassification of all 22 beds as observation beds, eliminating bottlenecks allowing them to fully function as an intake beds.
With these enhancements, KHSC expects to increase capacity at Detox by an additional 20 per cent, while improving safety, efficiency, and client outcomes.
“We are incredibly proud of the compassion and expertise our staff already bring each day to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” says Jason Hann, Executive Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive. “These enhancements will allow us to build on the excellent work already being done, creating a safer and more holistic environment for clients in their recovery.”
The enhancements will ensure KHSC continues to lead in delivering safe, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care for individuals struggling with substance use, while reinforcing its role as a regional hub for integrated addiction services.
KHSC is the regional lead for complex, specialty, and trauma care for more than 650,000 people across southeastern Ontario and serves as the region’s premier teaching and research hospital. To learn more about the Detoxification Centre, which is located at 240 Brock Street in Kingston, visit our website.
