Joseph Brant Hospital Annual Report 2019 JBH Annual Report 2019 | Page 9

PHAST Program: Andrew’s Story Andrew showed up at Joseph Brant Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) suffering from severe depression and anxiety. Before being discharged from our inpatient mental health and addictions unit, he was connected to PHAST to provide Andrew with the support he needed to help stabilize his crisis and connect him to on-going support services at home. Instead of Andrew being put on a wait-list or having to source community resources, PHAST provides the support and tools immediately, all in one location. learn to evolve the program to better assist and serve individuals like Andrew. Prioritizing Health through Acute Stabilization and Transition (PHAST) is a program that supports individuals aged 16 or older experiencing urgent mental health or addiction concerns. PHAST’s comprehensive and connective care model gives patients immediate access to support through a collaborated effort between Joseph Brant Hospital, Reach out Centre for Kids (ROCK), Canadian Mental Health Association: Halton Branch and Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment Services (ADAPT). “The staff within the PHAST program are deeply committed to the patients they serve. They truly cared about all facets of my recovery. Their knowledge and broad understanding of the impacts my depression and anxiety had, was evident throughout the entire process.” “The PHAST team offered a series of programs and services that included group sessions, access to psychiatric care, support for my family, and the continued monitoring of my mental health,” explained Andrew. “They were able to provide a high level of professional support and gave me tools to cope so that a visit to the ED was not required.” In 2018, the PHAST Program was a recipient of the Achieving Excellence Together Engagement Award of Excellence recognizing PHAST for health system integration, creating more effective mental health and addiction models of care for patients and families. The PHAST team continues to adapt and “The staff within the PHAST program are deeply committed to the patients they serve. They truly cared about all facets of my recovery. Their knowledge and broad understanding of the impacts my depression and anxiety had, was evident throughout the entire process.” Andrew is just one example of a patient who participated and benefited from the PHAST program. Since its implementation, Joseph Brant Hospital has seen a 37 per cent reduction in short- stay inpatients admissions to the mental health unit. The team is hopeful that the program will continue to impact and benefit individuals in the community and improve their quality of life. “I feel that the impact on my life, and the supports available to me and my family were so valuable, that my quality of life has been enhanced by PHAST,” Andrew reflects. Annual Report 2018-2019 9