Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Program

MENDO (Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Program) 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 reducing hospital burden.

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 timely, tailored care. MENDO also collaborates with Sanctum Care Group to expand safe, supportive housing solutions and long-term care planning.

mendo aims to provide:

93%

increase in necessary heart procedures

MENDO

78%

improvement in housing stability

MENDO

371%

increase in inpatient Dentist review

MENDO

28%

drop in ICU use

MENDO

904%

reduction in daily substance use

MENDO

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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