Doctors met by security as they set up unsanctioned overdose prevention sites at Vancouver Island hospitals

An initiative by doctors to establish overdose prevention sites on hospital property in Nanaimo and Victoria was abruptly halted by the Island health authority on Monday, prompting volunteers to relocate their operations across the street.

The decision to set up sites on the grounds of Nanaimo General and Royal Jubilee hospitals was driven by frustration over the B.C. government’s failure to fulfill its commitment to designate space for overdose prevention at healthcare facilities. Dr. Jess Wilder, an expert in addictions and family medicine in Nanaimo, emphasized that the primary goal of these efforts is to save lives.

Despite the government’s promise in April to open sites at every hospital in the province, no progress had been made. As a result, Wilder and other healthcare professionals volunteered their time and resources to establish “pop-up” sites at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. However, they were met with resistance from police and hospital security, who prohibited their presence on hospital grounds.

In response, the volunteers set up the overdose prevention site across the street from the hospital. Dr. Réka Gustafson, Island Health’s chief medical health officer, underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. The health authority stated that unapproved clinical services or demonstrations on Island Health property could not be supported.

Dr. Wilder emphasized that the current public health crisis demands urgent action, especially in light of the government’s ministerial order mandating the establishment of overdose prevention sites wherever needed. She expressed frustration over the politicization of addiction services, citing instances where expert voices were disregarded in favor of harmful narratives.

The contentious nature of addiction services was highlighted by a recent incident involving a TikTok video posted by a provincial election candidate opposing a harm-reduction vending machine at a hospital. Premier David Eby subsequently ordered a review of the vending machine program, prompting health authorities to suspend harm reduction measures lacking in-person connections with peers or healthcare workers.

Moving forward, mental health and addictions-related matters will fall under the purview of the Ministry of Health. Despite these developments, doctors like Dr. Wilder and Dr. Ryan Herriot remain steadfast in their commitment to providing essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly on high-risk days like welfare cheque distribution.

Dr. Herriot emphasized the need for experts to speak out and advocate for evidence-based interventions to address the overdose crisis. While the Ministry of Health assured the presence of Addictions Medicine and Substance Use teams at major hospital sites, the fate of the “pop-up” overdose prevention sites remains uncertain.

In conclusion, the efforts of doctors and volunteers to establish overdose prevention sites reflect a deep-seated commitment to saving lives and addressing the urgent needs of individuals grappling with addiction. Despite challenges and setbacks, their dedication to providing compassionate care and advocating for harm reduction measures remains unwavering.