Ottawa hospital launches digital substance-use service clinic

The Royal Ottawa is launching a "digital front door" to connect Eastern Ontarians to substance-use services. 

Patients can access the Royal’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic virtually through a computer, tablet or smartphone. 

“They’ll be able to first speak with one of our triage clinicians to discuss what they’re looking for and what kind of help they might need,” Dr. Melanie Willows,  addiction medicine physician, clinical director with the substance use and concurrent disorders program at The Royal told CTV News. 

While RAAM existed prior to COVID-19, the virtual version came about in response to pandemic restrictions.

“The processes we put in place due to COVID created delays and barriers to access, which is not ideal when someone is ready do to something about their substance use,” said Dr. Willows, “We knew we had to find a solution.”