STAR Team, Multiple Departments
A kidney specialist contacted the Henrico STAR team about one of his patients. The Services to Aid Recovery – or STAR team – is a joint effort by Henrico’s Fire and Police divisions, Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services) to help residents find resources to address social or medical needs.
The patient had dangerously high sodium levels and had not received a dialysis treatment in nearly a week. The Emergency Communications Center had received numerous 911 calls about the resident in recent weeks, and he had been observed with open sores on his forehead and knees from apparent falls. The physician grew increasingly concerned because his patient was refusing treatment. A call to the STAR team resulted in an emergency custody order, or ECO, that got the patient the help he needed.
The STAR team explained to the man that he could go voluntarily to the hospital or a magistrate could issue an ECO to take him to the hospital against his will. The patient continued to refuse treatment, and an ECO was issued. Eventually, STAR team members convinced the man that going to the hospital was in his best interests. He agreed to go and received an emergency dialysis treatment. The STAR team also gave him food and drink when he admitted that he hadn’t eaten. The man later praised the STAR team and said he knew he needed treatment but resisted because he was tired of hospitals.
The STAR team’s ability to handle this emergency and to provide compassionate help for someone in need give us another example of The Henrico Way. You are truly stars!
