Montréal West Island IUHSSC trains teams to enhance the psychosocial support offered to all its employees

POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, April 22, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and aware of the complex reality on the ground for its employees, the Montréal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (Montréal West Island IUHSSC) has begun training teams of counsellors to improve the psychosocial support already available to its employees.

Workers from the Montréal West Island IUHSSC mental health and addiction program teams and peer helpers from the IUHSSC are currently being trained in the specific context of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide additional support to all employees on the territory.

As of Friday, employees who need support can call a dedicated phone line and speak to a counsellor for immediate assistance. Depending on their needs, employees will be listened to, may be directed to specific resources, or even offered a personal appointment. As an example, information and tools specifically developed for what employees are currently experiencing, could be provided.

Correspondingly, managers will receive training to allow them to adapt their approach in the context of the crisis which in turn will help them better detect psychological distress within their staff.

"Front-line workers are facing many changes and an important level of uncertainty right now. The crisis we are experiencing is causing a lot of anxiety, so it is of paramount importance that all the support available is offered to them," said Dr. Gustavo Turecki, Director, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Montréal West Island IUHSSC.

"We are aware of the difficult situation on the ground and we are sensitive to the challenges that our employees might be facing. For that reason, and consistent with the importance we give to the values of respect and compassion, we are doing everything in our power to go further and beyond to help and protect them," said Lynn McVey, President and CEO of the Montréal West Island IUHSSC.

This initiative undertaken by the Montréal West Island IUHSSC is intended to complement existing initiatives available to all employees, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the network of peer helpers.

As the situation evolves and based on the latest assessments, this approach may be adapted to meet the needs expressed by front-line employees who are working in the various Montréal West Island IUHSSC facilities. The goal remains to continue providing them with the right level of support.

SOURCE Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal