A health authority in New Brunswick has issued an apology to patients who suffered due to the improper utilization of restraints and seclusion rooms, following an investigation by the province’s ombud. The inquiry, led by Ombud Marie-France Pelletier, was prompted by complaints from psychiatric patients at the Restigouche Hospital Centre, which is managed by the Vitalité Health Network, spanning from 2021 to 2023.
Among the reported incidents was a patient alleging sexual assault by staff members while being restrained at various points and wearing a spit hood. Additionally, some patients were confined in seclusion rooms for extended periods, leading them to urinate or defecate on the floor. Some individuals waited excessively long for water or did not receive their designated meals.
Pelletier’s findings revealed that patients endured durations ranging from two to 285 consecutive hours in seclusion rooms and three to 58 consecutive hours physically restrained to a bed. Vitalité Health Network has accepted all recommendations outlined in Pelletier’s report, which include enhancements to policies, monitoring, and documentation related to the use of restraints and seclusion rooms.
Sébastien Lagacé, the associate vice-president of mental health and addiction at the francophone hospital network, affirmed that necessary changes are being implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future. While acknowledging the responsibility for the incidents, Lagacé refrained from commenting on any repercussions for staff involved in the cases detailed by the ombud.
Darrell Tidd, whose son was a long-term resident at the Restigouche Hospital Centre, expressed acceptance of the apology from Vitalité but emphasized the need for tangible reforms to ensure humane treatment of patients. Former New Brunswick ombud and child and youth advocate Bernard Richard described the report’s contents as disturbing and highlighted the ongoing challenges in the mental health care system.
Lagacé indicated that by gathering more information from health authorities and progressing reports over time, Vitalité aims to address the issues raised effectively within a few years. Pelletier shared instances of improved patient care practices within the hospital, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive environment for individuals in distress. Despite the concerns raised, Horizon Health Network has committed to addressing identified gaps in psychiatric care in collaboration with stakeholders.
The focus remains on continuous improvement and delivering safe and compassionate care to patients, as stated by Horizon’s Vice President Community, Natasha Lemieux. The health network pledges to work transparently with relevant entities to implement necessary enhancements promptly and comprehensively.
