Hamilton hospital launches peer support for addiction treatment

Marcie McIlveen has a new role at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, where she leads a program offering peer support to patients battling addiction. After many negative experiences in treatment programs for substance use disorder, McIlveen once loathed health care. However, her journey brought her back to the hospital in an unexpected way. Five years ago, McIlveen was sober and started working for a local organization called Keeping Six, which helps those in need. This work connected her with health professionals and eventually led her to embrace the idea of helping others as a peer support supervisor. With the help of Dr. Tim O'Shea and Dr. Robin Lennox, she helped develop a project aimed at giving comfort and support to patients dealing with addiction. The pilot program has received significant funding, allowing peer supporters to work directly in the hospital's department of medicine. This is the first time such support has been formally introduced in this area, and talks are underway to expand it to other hospitals in the region. Peer supporters engage with patients in different ways, offering comfort items and companionship. They also provide follow-up support for patients after discharge. McIlveen emphasizes that their approach is not about forcing treatment but about being present for patients in their time of need. Dr. Madeleine Verhovsek, chief of medicine at St. Joe's, believes the program can improve patient care by making the environment more welcoming. With plans to add more peer supporters, McIlveen hopes to create a compassionate space for patients who have faced challenges in traditional healthcare settings. Despite some negative perceptions of harm reduction, McIlveen states that everyone deserves access to health care, regardless of their substance use. The support team aims to build trust and community for patients, providing them with the care they need on their terms.