A new response team has been formed to service those struggling with mental health and substance use.
The London Police Service, in collaboration with London Health Sciences Centre, have created the Nurse Police Response Team (NPRT).
Police say their goal is to redirect individuals from the criminal justice system and hospital emergency departments by providing healthcare and support services.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation in policing. By pairing nurses with frontline officers, we are bringing health care directly to the people who need it most. It is about building trust, improving safety, and advancing our shared goal of a healthy, vibrant core in the City of London,” said Chief Thai Truong.
The NPRT patrols areas of the city, including Midtown, Downtown, and Old East Village, to provide on-site care for those with health needs and to connect individuals with appropriate resources.
It fills an important gap to reduce avoidable visits to the emergency room, says Deborah Wiseman, Corporate Nursing Executive and Vice President of Medicine, Emergency Services, Critical Care, and Clinical Neurological Sciences at LHSC.
She says “we can improve overall health outcomes for members of our community who, for many reasons, may have difficulty accessing stable health resources.”
During the project period that started on July 11, the team responded to 148 calls for service.
Of these, 85 patients received wound care, 47 were medical assistance calls, and in 3 cases Narcan was given to individuals experiencing an overdose. As well as this, 72 patients received education and resources were provided to them.
A statement by LHSC says “[t]he addition of the NPRT brings a unique model of care and service delivery to London that emphasizes kindness, compassion, and engagement, while prioritizing safety for the greater community. “
