B.C. rights groups are calling on the province to publicly report coronavirus infection rates in psychiatric units and facilities, citing “staggering outbreaks of COVID-19 in psychiatric facilities throughout the world.”
“…We are only through the first phase of the pandemic,” said executive director of Health Justice Kendra Milne in a written statement.
“England has reported serious COVID-19 outbreaks among patients detained under its Mental Health Act, with twice as many patient deaths due to the virus, but we just don’t know what is happening to people held under the Mental Health Act in BC.”
In addition to Health Justice, 22 human rights, Indigenous, mental health and legal organizations signed their names expressing concern regarding the communal living conditions and pre-existing health conditions of people living in psychiatric facilities.
“Every unit, ward, facility, and health authority may respond differently. We need a clear, coordinated provincial plan that ensures COVID-19 positive psychiatric patients are cared for separately from other psychiatric patients, in humane and therapeutic conditions, and that the human rights of all patients are respected,” added Milne.
In answering questions from the media today (May 12), provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledged the challenge other countries were facing, but said she was not aware of in any cases in B.C. psychiatric facilities and “certainly no outbreaks.”
Coquitlam is home to the province's largest psychiatric hospital that treats people who have been found not criminally responsible for a crime or unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder.
There are 190 beds at the Colony Farm facility.
