Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Program

MENDO is a Saskatchewan-based care initiative focused on treating endocarditis — a serious and often fatal heart infection.

Developed as an acute care diversion strategy, MENDO brings together a team of medical professionals and community supports to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care that improves health outcomes while allocating hospital resources more appropriately.

why mendo is needed

Endocarditis is rising in Saskatchewan, particularly among our most vulnerable populations — individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and complex medical needs. Traditional hospital-based care often fails to address the complexity of these patients’ needs — leading to repeated admissions, long stays, and poor outcomes. MENDO was created to bridge this gap through integrated, wrap-around care that addresses medical, social, and addiction-related factors simultaneously.

The MENDO team includes physicians, infectious disease specialists, surgeons, social workers, peer support workers, and addiction counselors. Through weekly inpatient rounds, dental and surgical coordination, and psychosocial support, the team ensures patients receive equitable, tailored care. MENDO also collaborates with Sanctum Care Group to expand safe, supportive housing solutions and long-term care planning.

mendo aims to provide:

904%

reduction in daily substance use

MENDO data as of November 30, 2024

28%

drop in ICU use

MENDO data as of November 30, 2024

93%

increase in necessary heart procedures

MENDO data as of November 30, 2024

78%

improvement in housing stability

MENDO data as of November 30, 2024

371%

increase in inpatient Dentist review

MENDO data as of November 30, 2024

How Can You Support our program

BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

BECOME A SPONSOR

Can you donate these items?

Before bringing in donations, please give us a call at 306-244-1200 to confirm we are able to accept them.

We truly appreciate you thinking of us. Below is our current list of needed items. As our storage space is limited, we are unable to accept everything. We kindly ask that all donations be clean and in good condition.

Craft & activity supplies

Beading supplies, pencil crayons, markers, coloring books, crossword puzzles

Winter accessories

Underwear and socks

Personal hygiene items

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, travel-size shampoo/conditioner/body wash

We can help

Client Criteria

Diagnosed or suspected endocarditis (heart infection)
Often experiencing substance use, particularly injection drug use
May be homeless or unstably housed
Frequently have complex medical, social, and addiction needs
Typically lack consistent access to a primary care provider

Access to Program

Clients are referred by hospitals or healthcare providers
Weekly inpatient rounds allow MENDO to consult on eligible patients
Operates as a consultative team, working alongside Most Responsible Physicians (MRPs)
Open to patients in Saskatchewan health facilities, especially RUH and SPH

What the program provides

Multidisciplinary care team: physicians, infectious disease and cardiac specialists, surgeons, social workers, and peer support
Coordinated treatment planning including surgery, antibiotics, and addiction support
Dental care access and interventions
Trauma-informed, wrap-around care addressing physical, emotional, and social needs
Housing and post-discharge support through community partnerships