An individual receiving psychiatric care resided in a Campbellton hospital for over two decades until the New Brunswick ombud’s involvement facilitated her relocation to a community for the final months of her life. This case highlights prolonged psychiatric hospital stays, as identified in a report by Ombud Marie-France Pelletier.
The report focuses on a patient named “Isabelle,” who endured extended periods of restraint at the Restigouche Hospital Centre daily. Following collaboration between the ombud and Social Development, Isabelle was transitioned from the hospital to a care home.
After the move, Isabelle experienced improved social interactions with family and peers. Tragically, she passed away a few months later, yet her family appreciated the enhanced quality of life during her final days.
The New Brunswick ombud advocates for additional supportive housing for individuals with severe developmental, intellectual disabilities, and mental health issues.
Investigations conducted by the ombud’s office with hospital staff statewide revealed that psychiatric patients typically wait a year or more for community placements to transition out of hospital settings.
The report highlights that Social Development often closes a patient’s file if placement isn’t secured, halting active efforts to find them a community alternative.
Pelletier emphasized that patients with complex needs, such as intellectual disabilities, often end up in hospitals due to behavioral challenges like aggression, lacking suitable alternative placements.
CBC News previously reported on Devan Tidd, an autistic individual who spent almost a decade at the Restigouche Hospital Centre before being held at a federal prison under an agreement with the province.
The New Brunswick Review Board recently approved his community discharge, with his psychiatrist acknowledging the potential months-long wait for suitable housing.
Minister of Social Development Cindy Miles refrained from addressing inquiries on the delay, opting to emphasize ongoing efforts to expand housing options.
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