I am writing in response to the article in the Campbell River Mirror regarding hospital staff being exposed to toxic drug smoke.
READ MORE: Campbell River hospital staff exposed to illicit drug smoke: Island Health
Is it just me, or does it seem like the pendulum has swung too far to the left on drug issues? The fact that this conversation is taking place would suggest the answer is yes. This is not an isolated incident, if one is to believe the rumours that abound, this has been going on for years!
Our hospital staff are already burnt out after COVID and the incoming demographic tsunami is just beginning to overwhelm our medical system – they certainly don’t need the additional stress and safety concerns posed by exposure to drug smoke in their workplace. Another concern that comes to mind is the fire hazard this is creating, imagine the disastrous consequences a major fire in our new hospital would create, never mind the cost. This is a huge “WorkSafeBC” issue!
Harm reduction is a laudable approach to a many-pronged problem facing our society today. But, I think it must come with boundaries, otherwise we end up with the literal “free for all” that is affecting our hospital. Treating people with “respect and dignity” is a two-way street. Someone who chooses to break the rules by smoking toxins in a hospital, shows no dignity and is very disrespectful to the staff and other patients – there must be consequences for this choice. The first natural consequence that comes to mind would be removal of the patient. A mental health approach declares that when a person is a harm to self or others, we must intervene. Not accommodate with full face respirators, also known as gas masks, for the staff.
I read about the stigma drug users feel. Our society has reduced drunk driving substantially by stigmatizing and criminalizing it, I feel that we are going in the opposite direction with drug use. I am all for helping people in a non-judgemental manner, but the rules must apply to all.
Addiction is a hard road, there is no doubt. I would suggest that if we are going to enable addicts by supplying them with safer drugs, we go one step better, by doing that in a separate location, a “habilitation” centre, if you will. Self control seems to be affected by addiction, so it follows that treatment should happen in a controlled environment, a “live-in” place with counsellors and medical staff, so there is a real opportunity for healing and growth. Yes this all costs money, lots of money, but that money could be redirected from the millions already being spent on the many costs created by drug abuse, including ambulance, fire and police involvement, just to name a few.
Recently, the government banned substance use around licensed day care centres and K-12 school properties. This was a positive response to a negative situation. It seems appropriate to me that they do the same in and around hospital/medical properties.
What we are currently doing is not working. This is evidenced by the growing number of homeless and addicted people wandering our streets, urinating and defecating in front of buildings, using drugs and alcohol without discretion and plaguing businesses.
Additionally, we are now hearing reports that organized crime has their hands on our “safe” drug supply. It feels like we are spinning out of control. The pendulum must swing back to the centre and rest.
Oh, and just one more thought: Why oh why, must the new kiosk containing paraphernalia relevant to addiction be at the front door of our hospital? Could it not be placed at the “in site” location? Seems way more appropriate to me.
Pat Bavis
Campbell River