People with alcohol or opioid use disorder can now quickly access addiction medicine specialists through a new online self-referral system.
All residents can use Interior Health’s Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic to refer themselves for care.
People can use an online form to request appointments for themselves or consenting loved ones to meet with addiction medicine specialists.
“When someone struggling with addiction makes the brave decision to get help, we need to make it easy for them to get the right care they need, where and when they need it,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Allowing people to easily connect to an addiction medicine specialist through a website along with our new Opioid Treatment Access Line are important steps in improving access to resources and to saving lives.”
The virtual clinic has been operating for a few years, but this recent change streamlines the process.
“Since opening almost three years ago, the Virtual Addictions Medicine Clinic has helped thousands in our region successfully overcome substance use disorder, offering opioid agonist treatment for withdrawal symptoms and medications to reduce alcohol cravings,” said Susan Brown, Interior Health president and CEO.
“With this change, people no longer need a referral from a physician and can contact us directly to gain faster access to these important services.”
Clinicians will get in touch with applicants quickly after, usually within one business day, with a booking for a phone or video appointment.
Interior Health said the VAM team will work with the client on a treatment plan that may include opioid agonist therapy.
“The intent of this new service is to get clients into care as soon as possible by removing any stigma that may be associated with accessing addiction health services in person,” said Debi Morris, MHSU Network Director.
“A client doesn’t need to go to a Mental Health and Substance Use clinic or speak to a healthcare provider to self-refer. The service is also intended to remove any barriers to clients who can’t easily access a physical location or centre due to distance, mobility or transportation.”
You can access self-referral forms here.
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