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.
The zone can accommodate up to 10 patients, in four rooms (including two sensory rooms) and six comfortable waiting spaces. The space also includes a shower and bathroom dedicated to patients in this zone, as well as a secure workstation for the care team. This space was specially created to reduce stress, facilitate the relationship between the care team and patients, and contribute to their recovery.
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