Windsor police say a program designed to reduce emergency department visits has continued to be effective.
An update on the police partnership with nurses from Windsor Regional Hospital was provided via X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday.
The Nurse Police Team (NPT) program pairs nurses with police officers as they patrol the downtown core on weekends and provide on-the-spot care to those suffering from addiction and other issues. The objective is to relieve pressure on busy hospitals.
Since the initiative began in May 2023 as a pilot project, 933 calls for service were made. Nurses have treated 71 people for substance-related wounds and distributed 134 strips of naloxone.
By providing on-the-spot care, 318 patients did not need to go to the hospital. The NPT also made 511 referrals to community partners offering substance-related resources.
The program was first meant to run through the summer of 2023, but in August, it was extended by six months.
The NPT program operates Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
-with files from Maureen Revait
