Health Minister takes heat over leaked Northern Health memo

PRINCE GEORGE – “Shameful.” That’s how Health Critic Shirley Bond described the government’s response to criticisms around a leaked memo with respect to drug use in hospital settings.

“We’ve been hearing from nurses all across British Columbia that they are facing unbelievable workplace situations and that includes drug use, the potential that people have weapons in hospitals and their jobs are tough enough as it is.”

The Northern Health memo reads, in part: “With decriminalization of possession of drugs/substances (small amounts for personal use), staff should not be searching a patient’s personal belongings and taking away, or holding onto their substances. These can remain with the patient. In circumstances where it is required (e.g. psychiatric intensive care), staff are required to follow the safe keeping of patients and residents valuables policy.”