Grey Bruce Police/Hospital Partnership Announced

G R E Y – B R U C E P O L I C E / H O S P I T A L / S T A K E H O L D E R

P A R T N E R S H I P

Local Hospital Partners, O.P.P., and Police Services Launch New Grey Bruce

Police-Hospital Transition Protocol

October 8, 2020 – As of September 2020, an agreement between hospital partners, OPP and Police Services in Grey-Bruce has been reached regarding new Transition Protocols for individuals apprehended by police under the Mental Health Act. This is a joint agreement detailing improved processes for police, first responders, and health care professionals when they are called upon and required to engage and support individuals experiencing crisis in our communities. This initiative has been in progress since May 2020.

It is the product of a collaborative effort by Grey Bruce Police/Hospital/Stakeholder Partnership Committee. Their goal has been to develop a system of protocols tailored to the organizational resources and needs of their community members, ensuring the safety and care for all individuals involved. A list of the community partners include:

 

Bruce County Paramedic Services

Grey Bruce Canadian Mental Health Association

Grey Bruce Health Services

Grey County Paramedic Services

Grey Bruce OPP

Hanover and District Hospital

Hanover Police Services

 

Owen Sound Police Services Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police Saugeen Shores Police

South Bruce Grey Health Centre

South Bruce OPP

West Grey Police Services

 

The education for the application of these new protocols is currently being conducted virtually for police and health care professionals. “I am confident that this consistent, cohesive approach to forging a multifaceted partnership will result in improved communication, health and safety for members of our local community,” Krista Miller, Inspector at the South Bruce OPP and Co-Chair of Grey Bruce Police/Hospital/Stakeholder Partnership Committee.

There have been very positive reactions and hope for the success of this new partnership, and its ability to help some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Dana Howes, President and CEO of HDH and Co-Chair of Grey Bruce Police/Hospital/Stakeholder Partnership Committee, describes the partnership as a, “phenomenal collaborative leadership effort to develop this regional approach to establishing a comprehensive protocol between police forces and hospitals in the care of patients that have been apprehended under the Mental Health Act.”

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