Page 48 - BusinessWest September 19, 2022

HEALTHCARE HEROES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
because people would be leaving the hospital; if you were using opioids or were addicted to opioids, in particular, and didn’t get that, you would feel really, really sick, and if your withdrawal wasn’t being treated, you would probably be leaving.
“So we’d introduce ourselves and let people know why were there,” she went on, adding that, by and large, patients were not used to such a “proactive and impactive” approach to their care, and would have questions about what they could do for them.
What they can do is listen and begin a discussion about what happens next, said Carpenter, who walked through what might be a typical case.
“Someone will come into the ED, and I’ll get notified that this person is there and that they are in withdrawal,” she explained. “At that point, I will meet with the person, gather a history, assess their withdrawal, and then I’ll get Maria involved. I’ll talk with the ED provider, Maria, the addiction consult ... Maria will meet with the patient, give recommendations, and order
appropriate medications to treat their withdrawal. And when someone is actually on the med floor, we’d start the discussion of ‘what do you want to do from here?’”
As Quinn noted, the course varies with the patient. Often, those at the ACS will connect them to opioid- treatment programs, including two in Holyoke, if they are not already in a program, or connect them with a recovery coach while they are in the hospital.
“Not everyone’s goal is abstinence,”
she said. “Our goal is not to cure them; our goal is to treat them with dignity and respect, and that includes treating their withdrawal. It includes giving education and resources. Some people decide that they no longer want to use and want to work toward abstaining and not using, and some don’t.”
“Our goal is not to
cure them; our goal is to treat them with dignity and respect, and that includes treating their withdrawal. It includes giving education and resources. Some people decide that they no longer want to use and want to work toward abstaining and not using, and some don’t.”
When asked how those at the ACS measure success, Quinn said it depends on what how the patient would define that term.
“For some people, having air in
their lungs is successful,” she told BusinessWest. “Anyone who leaves here feeling that they’ve been treated well ... that’s a big success for me.”
Impact Statement
As he talked about Quinn and those she works beside at the CCC, Hamel stressed the present tense.
He is still working with these individuals at the CCC, and they are still making a huge impact on his recovery. He’s not sure they, and especially Quinn, understand just how much of an impact. So, he made it clear.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” he said, adding that these individuals are more than healthcare providers, but are, in many respects, friends and even family.
“They want to make a difference — it’s not just about an f-ing paycheck,” he said in conclusion. “That’s where I get
a little passionate and emotional; two years ago, I wanted to kill myself, and now...”
He didn’t finish the sentence,
but didn’t really have to. The pause explained not only the journey from where he was to where he is now, but why the Addiction Consult Service is truly a Healthcare Hero. n
George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
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