Reducing re-hospitalizations

The goal of a new pilot project is to reduce re-hospitalization rates by connecting patients to resources in their home communities.

The University of Regina's Dr. Natasha Gallant is part of a pilot project called the Friendly Calls+ Hospital to Home program alongside the Canadian Red Cross and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

The Red Cross says that this program will be offered to people over the age of 18 following their stay in the hospital. It is meant for those who could benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, enhanced coping skills, and connections to community resources. Over the course of three months, those registered in the program will receive two to three check-in calls per week from Red Cross Friendly Calls personnel.

Gallant, a clinical psychologist, will lead a team of researchers at the U of R who will evaluate the impact of the check-in calls on the participants.

"Ultimately, the goal of the Friendly Calls+ Hospital to Home program is to reduce re-hospitalization rates by connecting patients to resources in their home communities," says Gallant. Watch the short video below to hear more about Gallant and her team's role in the project:

The Red Cross reports that the Friendly Calls+ Hospital to Home program is safe, accessible, and free.

The program is available to people who:

    • have recently been discharged from hospital,
    • are referred by hospital staff,
    • are 18 years of age or older,
    • may benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, enhanced coping skills and community connections to other existing support.

More information about the Friendly Calls+ Hospital to Home program is available by emailing  friendlycallsSK@redcross.ca or by phoning 1-306-721-1600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.