2017
Interdepartmental
Courtney Benoit, Monica Bull, Brad Clarke, Debbie Curtis, Dean Gambin, Justin Garrett, Michelle Healey, Gillian Hussey, Barbara Jackman, Niki Legge, Kellee Martin, Megan Morrison, Greg Radu, Colleen Simms, Melissa Sullivan, Linda Warford, Heather Yetman.
Launched in October 2017, the Towards Recovery Team oversaw the beginning work on all 54 recommendations of the Towards Recovery Action Plan, and the successful completion of 18 short-term recommendations by March 31, 2018. This accomplishment was possible only after working with more than 250 people, including persons with lived experience, across seven project teams. Some of the early achievements included: a wait times reduction plan; new e-mental health treatments; walk-in clinics; and the establishment of mobile crisis response teams in collaboration with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Their achievements have exceeded expectations and obligations under the action plan.
The team has shown tremendous leadership, navigating through complex governance, program management and clinical structures to ensure that service changes were implemented. The governance model for this work provides a vehicle for innovation that has been adopted by other parts of the health system. Other key accomplishments were the development of a plan to replace the aging Waterford Hospital requiring extensive stakeholder consultations and the province-wide implementation of Therapy Assistance Online, which was a first for Canada.
The work of the Towards Recovery Team has led to tangible benefits for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, including expanded community-based mental health and addictions services, shorter to zero wait times, and re-energized teams of mental health staff across the province. Their work has resulted in more people receiving mental health and addiction services in a more timely manner.
The team’s work has just begun as this is year one of a five-year plan. Underway is the transfer of responsibility for health services for inmates in the province’s correctional facilities to Health and Community Services; designing a provincial model for psychiatric services as well as developing a one-stop shop model for young people.
The success of the Team has been dependent on exemplary divisional leadership, adherence to strong project management principles, and commitment to excellence.