Hamilton jail nurse tells inquest some inmates released without health-care, opioid treatment plans

In a recent inquest into the drug-related deaths of six inmates at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, nurse Zoila Guipit testified about the challenges inmates face when transitioning back into the community after their release. Guipit expressed her concerns about the lack of continuity of care for inmates with opioid use disorder and other health issues once they leave the jail.

Guipit shared that many of her patients express a desire to continue their treatment outside of the detention centre but often do not know where to turn for support. She emphasized the importance of connecting inmates to community resources, such as opioid use disorder treatments, to ensure they receive the necessary care upon their release.

During her testimony, Guipit revealed that some incarcerated individuals have resorted to committing petty crimes intentionally to access basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare in jail. This alarming revelation sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by some inmates and the lack of support they encounter upon re-entering society.

The inquest, which focused on the deaths of Jason Archer, Paul Debien, Nathaniel Golden, Igor Petrovic, Christopher Sharp, and Robert Soberal due to drug toxicity between 2017 and 2021, aims to address the issue of opioid use disorder among inmates. The goal is to prevent future deaths by implementing measures to support individuals struggling with addiction.

Guipit highlighted the challenges faced by inmates who are released unexpectedly without a proper discharge plan in place. She explained that a discharge plan typically includes crucial information such as upcoming medical appointments, medication details, substance use treatment plans, and assistance with obtaining necessary identification documents.

One of the key issues raised by Guipit is the lack of collaboration between the detention centre and community organizations to ensure seamless access to addiction services and other essential supports post-release. Despite recommendations from a previous inquest in 2018 following the deaths of eight inmates at the same jail, Guipit noted that little progress has been made in this area.

As the inquest seeks to address these systemic issues and prevent future tragedies, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the continuity of care for individuals with opioid use disorder transitioning from incarceration to the community. By implementing recommendations to improve access to addiction services and support systems, we can work towards a more compassionate and effective approach to rehabilitation and reintegration for justice-involved individuals.