Kemptville hospital launches mobile addiction and homelessness care service
Kemptville District Hospital has launched a new mobile consultation service in partnership with the West Ottawa Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7.
According to a media release, the service connects patients at KDH with specialized supports for substance use, mental health and housing-related concerns. It is part of a provincial initiative that is investing nearly $550 million to establish 28 HART hubs across Ontario.
Homelessness Addictions Recovery and Treatment hubs are designed to provide coordinated access to substance use treatment and wraparound supports, including primary care, mental health services, social supports and employment assistance.
The West Ottawa HART Hub will be based in Bells Corners and will offer walk-in access to rapid access addictions medicine, counselling, social work services, peer support, case management, housing and employment supports, and withdrawal management services. Clients may also be referred to in-patient stabilization and psychosocial treatment programs.
“KDH has long advocated for mental health, substance use, and homelessness support services for our community,” said hospital president and CEO Frank Vassallo in the release. “The HART Hub will be a key element in providing much needed services for those in need.”
Through the Community Health Rapid Access Management Program, led by the West Ottawa HART Hub, rural hospitals are supported in caring for patients with substance use and housing-related needs. The program is intended to reduce pressure on emergency departments while ensuring patients receive appropriate and timely care.
Kemptville District Hospital is the first pilot site for the Community Health RAMP. The mobile service will operate as an interim measure while renovations to the West Ottawa HART Hub are completed. Funding for the program is in place until March 31, 2026. In-patient services are expected to open later this month, with the main Bells Corners site scheduled to open in March 2026.
“Kemptville District Hospital is our first pilot site for the Community Health RAMP and we’re so excited to launch this great service,” said Anthony Desloges, clinical manager of the West Ottawa HART Hub.
Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, KDH can request the mobile team to provide care directly to patients in the emergency department. The service will also assist with discharge planning for admitted patients and provide follow-up related to substance use care.
“Our mobile service will have an exceptional team of professionals specializing in substance use health, including a social worker, registered practical nurse, case manager, as well as a prescriber,” said Desloges. “We’ll have a wide breadth of services to be able to refer and start coordinating care.”
“KDH is thrilled to be partnering with the West Ottawa HART Hub to bring vital services to our patients,” said Katie Hogue, KDH vice-president of nursing and clinical services and chief nursing executive. “This model of care really aligns with the work we’re doing at KDH to build new community partnerships that provide timely access to care.”