Brightshores Wellness Centre Cuts Emergency Visits After Treatment

The **Brightshores Wellness & Recovery Centre** has achieved a significant milestone in mental health and addiction care, leading to a sharp decline in Emergency Department (ED) visits following treatment. In a notable improvement, patient visits to EDs in the region, including those at **Hanover & District Hospital** and **South Bruce Grey Health System**, plummeted from **410 in 2022** to just **52 in 2024**. This remarkable reduction is attributed to the enhanced support systems implemented since the centre’s opening in **June 2024**.

The centre’s innovative approach focuses on individualized recovery plans and robust follow-up services, which include access to medical clinics and dedicated crisis support. This model has demonstrated a direct correlation with reduced ED visits within 30 days of patient discharge, a key indicator of effective mental health and addiction care.

Naomi Vodden, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Brightshores, expressed the importance of tailored support in improving patient outcomes. “Together with our partners, we have worked to understand what each person needs to feel supported, stable and connected,” Vodden stated. She added that prior to the implementation of these programs, many individuals relied heavily on ED visits due to limited access to timely mental health or addiction support.

The success of the Wellness & Recovery Centre is underscored by the dramatic decrease in ED visits recorded in **2025**, with only **four patient visits** documented across the Brightshores and partner EDs. This trend highlights a significant shift in how individuals in the region access necessary care.

Transformative Care Model Gains Recognition

The Wellness & Recovery Centre stands out as the first model of its kind in Ontario, gaining province-wide attention for addressing critical gaps in mental health and addiction services. Located in a repurposed school in **Owen Sound**, the facility provides stable housing and comprehensive support services for individuals with complex needs.

Beth Morris, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Quality and Chief Nursing Executive, emphasized the transformative nature of this care model. “We’re seeing a transformative shift in how individuals access mental health and addiction care in Grey Bruce,” Morris noted. The centre’s alternative approach to ED visits allows individuals to connect with care earlier, thereby reinforcing support systems post-discharge.

The reduction in ED visits not only reflects an improvement in access to care but also signifies real progress in the lives of those seeking help. The ongoing success of the Wellness & Recovery Centre serves as a beacon for future initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health and addiction services across the province and beyond.