Sentara Health expanding behavioral health services
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Sentara Health is expanding their services for behavioral health as more patients seek treatment at emergency departments, or EDs.
As the number of inpatient beds for psychiatric hospitals have become more scarce, patients are being ‘boarded’ in hospitals’ EDs instead of having full access to the necessary resources. The new protocols Sentara plans to implement for its outpatient services is meant to help reduce the demand for ED services.
“Sentara is joining with community providers across the state to improve access to care and services,” said Nedra Moncrief-Craig, director of behavioral health services for Sentara Health. “Virginia’s hospitals are also working together to address the growth in the behavioral health population in order to serve our most vulnerable patients better.”
Some of the ways Sentara plans to improve its services are:
Implemented a BH TelePsych service for quicker evaluations and treatment plans
Centralized call center
Redesigned BH spaces in emergency departments (EDs) to enhance safety for patients and staff
Increased Staffing
SOBR opioid program
Quick access to addiction treatment
ED triage protocol
Expanded Intensive Outpatient Therapy
Expanded Partial Hospitalization Program
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Children’s mental health research grant
A multi-disciplinary Sentara team has been working across 12 hospitals, five free-standing EDs and Sentara outpatient programs to make lasting enhancements to BH services.
Check with WAVY.com for more updates.
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