New Brunswick Health Authority Apologizes for Mistreatment of Psychiatric Patients
A New Brunswick health authority, the Vitalité Health Network, has issued an apology to patients who suffered harm due to the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion rooms at the Restigouche Hospital Centre. This apology comes in response to a recent report by the province's Ombud, Marie-France Pelletier, which detailed disturbing incidents occurring between 2021 and 2023.
Details of the Ombud's Investigation
The investigation was launched following numerous complaints from psychiatric patients at the Restigouche Hospital Centre. The report uncovered instances of severe mistreatment, including allegations of sexual assault while restrained. Some patients were confined to seclusion rooms for extended periods, leading to unsanitary conditions and neglect. Furthermore, patients reported being denied basic necessities like water and meals for prolonged durations.
- Patients spent between 2 and 285 consecutive hours in seclusion rooms.
- Patients were physically restrained to beds for 3 to 58 consecutive hours.
Disturbing Accounts of Abuse and Neglect
One harrowing account detailed a patient reporting sexual assault by staff while restrained. This individual was reportedly confined with restraints on their limbs, waist, and neck, and was also subjected to a "spit hood." Other patients endured prolonged stays in seclusion, forced to relieve themselves on the floor due to the length of their confinement. Some patients waited over 12 hours for water when thirsty, or missed scheduled meals. Vitalité Health Network has accepted the Ombud's recommendations for improved policies and monitoring.
Vitalité's Response and Apology
Sébastien Lagacé, the associate vice-president of mental health and addiction for Vitalité Health Network, stated that changes are being implemented to prevent similar incidents from recurring. He acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, "We do take responsibility for what happened. We do apologize for the situations that have happened to our patients." However, Lagacé could not confirm whether the staff members involved in the reported incidents faced any disciplinary action or if they remained employed by the health authority.
Calls for Concrete Change
Darrell Tidd, whose son, Devan, resided at the Restigouche Hospital Centre for nearly a decade, accepted the apology but emphasized the need for tangible change. He described the findings of the ombud's report as "inhumane" and "heartbreaking," stating, "It's inhumane, it's heartbreaking and it must stop. If you were to treat an animal like that, and people found out, they'd be outraged…. We're talking about human lives here."
Historical Context and Concerns
Former New Brunswick ombud and child and youth advocate Bernard Richard described the report's details as "disturbing," noting that similar issues had surfaced in previous investigations. He expressed concern about the persistent neglect of these vulnerable patients, stating, "Even for health administrators, these are patients that sadly don't often end up on the priority list." Richard's own 2008 investigation revealed instances of sexual abuse and excessive force within youth mental health services.
Steps Towards Improvement
Lagacé pointed to the ombud's plans for gathering further information from health authorities and issuing progress reports as a reason for optimism. He anticipates that Vitalité will be able to implement all recommendations within a few years. While presenting her report, Pelletier acknowledged that many hospital staff members genuinely want to provide better care.
Horizon Health Network's Response
In contrast to Vitalité, the English-language Horizon Health Network did not offer a direct apology for the identified shortcomings. Natasha Lemieux, vice-president community, stated that Horizon will submit a plan with timelines to the ombud by December, stating, "Horizon is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring our patients receive safe, dignified, compassionate psychiatric care. We remain committed to working transparently with the Office of the Ombud, patients, families, and our health-care partners to implement these critical improvements in a timely, comprehensive manner."
