Mental Health Emergency Zone
Patients in need of urgent mental health care can now benefit from a dedicated space within Montfort’s Emergency Department; the Mental Health Emergency Zone. The zone offers a calm and safe environment, enabling personalized care for patients, who can begin their recovery during their visit to the Emergency Department.
As soon as they arrive, they are promptly attended to by a mental health nurse, enabling an early assessment of their needs and the immediate start of a personalised treatment plan. This approach aims to provide tailored, safe and empathetic care, whilst supporting the start of recovery from the very first visit.
Designed to accommodate up to 10 patients, the area comprises four rooms – two of which are sensory rooms – as well as six comfortable waiting areas. The calming and safe environment also includes a dedicated shower and bathroom, as well as a secure workstation for the care team.
Every element of this space has been carefully considered to minimise sources of stress and foster a calming environment, to support a high-quality therapeutic relationship between patients and the care team, and to ensure prompt, structured care centred on each individual’s unique needs.
How it works
During triage, upon arrival to the Emergency Department, patients requiring mental health care will be directed to the Mental Health Emergency Zone, either when they arrive or when or when there is space for them in the zone.
Patients are then seen by our nursing mental health staff for a first assessment, after which the emergency physician on duty will conduct a full assessment. The emergency physician, in consultation with patients and their loved ones, will decide on the next step:
- Same-day evaluation by a psychiatrist (and admission to the mental health unit, if necessary)
- Appointment scheduling with the mental health crisis team
- Referral to community resources and/or treating physician/psychiatrist
Partnerships
Montfort relies on strong partnerships with community organisations and resources to ensure continuity of care and to better meet patients’ mental health needs beyond their stay in hospital. These collaborations make it possible to offer accessible, tailored support that is rooted in the community, thereby helping to sustain recovery. These resources include Montfort Renaissance – Access MHA, the Counselling and Family Service Ottawa and the Canadian Mental Health Association. These services are available free of charge: you can contact them directly to make an appointment or speak to your nurse for further information and guidance on the process.