In-person addictions specialists at large hospitals and virtual clinical consultation at regional and rural hospitals are just some of the several steps the Health Ministry plans to take amid B.C.91裸聊视频檚 move to ban public drug use.
The Health Ministry is planning to take several actions to combat drug use in hospitals as the premier says the government 91裸聊视频渓eaned too heavily on the idea that public intoxication could have been used as a tool91裸聊视频 in decriminalization.
On Friday (April 26), Premier David Eby announced his government91裸聊视频檚 plan to ban drug use in public places 91裸聊视频 with use in hospitals being specifically highlighted after months of pushback, most notably from B.C. United.
Part of this move, he said, was 91裸聊视频渢he quickly escalating situation on the ground, particularly in relation to hospitals, and use in restaurants, where it became clear that even the authorities that we91裸聊视频檇 attempted to impose at the provincial provincial level would have to be expanded further.91裸聊视频
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Health Minister Adrian Dix said these changes are critical.
91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e going to change what91裸聊视频檚 clear in the hospital, that everyone who comes to the hospital needs to know that there is a prohibition on the on the use of illicit substances,91裸聊视频 he said.
91裸聊视频淲e know that many people will come to the hospital dealing with serious addictions, and they need to deal with addictions under the direction of medical supervision of health professionals, doctors and others.91裸聊视频
The government has listed seven actions the Health Ministry plans to take 91裸聊视频渢o make hospitals safer and better manage addictions for patients,91裸聊视频 but staff will not be searching people for drugs. That includes:
91裸聊视频 Take consistent action across B.C. to prohibit drug possession, use and purchasing of illicit drugs in hospitals or hospital sites
91裸聊视频 Improve how patients with substance- or opioid-use illnesses are supported toward treatment and recovery services
91裸聊视频 Add in-person addiction specialists to large hospitals and virtual clinical consultation in smaller regional and rural hospitals
91裸聊视频 Remain focused on a culturally safe approach to implementing change
91裸聊视频 Actively address unacceptable behavious such as aggression, non-compliance with policy and drug dealing in hospitals through additional security
91裸聊视频 Introduce improved education and awareness efforts to better equip and support staff facing unsafe situations
91裸聊视频 Ensure existing overdose prevention sites are working for people
But the Hospital Employees91裸聊视频 Union is calling for the government to scale up the seven actions as quickly as possible.
91裸聊视频淭hrough the Minister91裸聊视频檚 task force on drug use in health care, we will continue working with health employers and the government to implement the necessary solutions that best respond to the ever-evolving challenges of the toxic-drug crisis,91裸聊视频 spokesperson Lynn Bueckert said.