Plans are being announced to transition the care and services people receive from the Behavioural Support Transitional Unit at Quinte Health to Providence Care.
The BSTU program has operated at Quinte Health since 2014, supporting patients from across southeastern Ontario living with dementia and complex behavioural challenges.
Since 2025, Quinte Health and Providence Care have been reviewing the most appropriate specialized model of care for this patient population.
Across Ontario, programs supporting patients with complex behavioural and geriatric needs are typically delivered through organizations with specialized geriatric expertise and regional behavioural health capacity.
As a result of this regional review, the organizations say they agreed that this transition represents the best path forward to strengthen access to these supports.
“Patients and families living with complex behavioural and cognitive challenges deserve access to highly specialized supports that meet their evolving needs,” said Lina Rinaldi, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Quinte Health. “While we have had an extraordinary team caring for patients through the BSTU program for many years, Providence Care has the specialized geriatric expertise and regional behavioural health capacity to provide an expanded range of supports for this patient population into the future.”
“Providence Care is committed to supporting patients with complex behavioural and cognitive needs through compassionate, specialized care,” added Darcy Woods-Fournier, Vice President Patient Care, Long Term Care and Chief Nursing Executive.
“Through this transition, we are expanding the regional service model to include strengthened transitional supports, greater community services, and more coordinated access to specialized care for people living with dementia and complex responsive behaviours. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Quinte Health throughout this transition.”
Patients currently admitted to the BSTU will continue receiving care at Quinte Health while transition planning occurs collaboratively with Providence Care. Continuity of care, patient safety, and patient experience will remain the priority throughout the transition process.
Quinte Health also acknowledged the dedication of the BSTU team and physicians who have supported the program over the past decade.
“The compassion and expertise of the BSTU team have made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families across our region,” said Rinaldi. “We are deeply grateful for the care they have provided.”
The transition will impact staff roles connected to the BSTU program. Quinte Health officials say the organization is committed to supporting affected staff respectfully and thoughtfully throughout the process.
Reassignment opportunities within Quinte Health are anticipated for many impacted staff, while other staffing changes will be managed through the applicable collective agreement and union processes, in collaboration with union partners.
Additional details regarding timelines and transition planning will be determined as work progresses collaboratively between the organizations.
