The impact of opioid use on the local healthcare system has prompted the opening of a new recovery clinic in Brantford.
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Segue Clinic, with nine locations in Hamilton and the Niagara Region, has opened a facility at 484 West Street in Brantford.
“Our people come from a variety of sources,” said Segue Clinic co-owner Dr. Fraser MacKay. “The vast majority waits through friend referrals. Some come at the request of family, others through their doctor, community agency, or the justice system.”
MacKay said anyone who identifies as having a problem with opioid medication or street drugs – and wishes help – is welcome to attend.
“In 2023/2024, Brantford experienced rates of opioid-related emergency department visits that were more than 2.2 times higher than the provincial average,” noted Michael Marini, manager of communications and public affairs at the Brant Community Healthcare System. “Additionally, the rate of opioid-related deaths per 100,000 people was 1.6 times higher in Brantford compared to the rest of Ontario.”
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Marini went on to say that as part of its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, BCHS is committed to addressing this crisis by fostering regional partnerships, including collaboration within an Ontario Health Team, and enhancing care for individuals living with mental health and addictions challenges.
“This growing concerns not only places increased demand on our hospital but also underscores the pressing need for renewed hospital infrastructure to support the health and well-being of our community.”
MacKay said Segue’s Brantford location currently operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 5 pm and is staffed by an outreach worker and an office assistant who has addiction training.
“Our physicians will have virtual meetings with Brantford patients for the immediate future,” he noted. “A search has begun for a physician to anchor Brantford and the surrounding district as patients are best served by a doctor from that region.”
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Segue’s other clinics have partnered with community agencies, and MacKay said he hopes to establish arrangements with SOAR and the Grand River CHC to embed their service once patient volume can sustain their presence.
He said Segue differs from other methadone clinics by focusing on a recovery-oriented service, connecting with other agencies to provide a holistic service, and community capacity building with the SMART Recovery program.
“Methadone, along with other opioid agonist therapy (OAT) medications, is considered the gold standard treatment for opioid use disorder,” said Dr. Rebecca Comley, BCHU Medical Officer of Health. “Using OAT can help people with opioid use disorder handle withdrawal symptoms and lowers their risk of overdose.”
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