In response to the ongoing opioid crisis and lack of government action, a group of doctors called Doctors for Safer Drug Policy established an unsanctioned overdose prevention site at the Comox Valley Hospital. The site, which will operate from January 20-24, aims to save lives and highlight the need for improved drug safety measures in healthcare settings.
An unsanctioned overdose prevention site has been set up in front of the Comox Valley Hospital on Jan. 20, 2025.
The unsanctioned overdose prevention site will be at the Comox Valley Hospital from Jan. 20-24 in a tent outside which will be staffed by volunteers who are trained to recognize and respond to an overdose. “It is tragic and infuriating to hear of patients dying alone from overdose in hospital bathrooms, hallways or parking lots because there is nowhere safe for them to smoke their substance that they need to control their withdrawal, when we know that an OPS could have prevented that,” says organizer and CV spokesperson, Dr. Eva Hemmerich, an addiction and family medicine physician in Courtenay-Comox.
“By patients having to leave hospital to use their substance several times per day, their care gets disrupted and requires longer admission, readmission and then with a more serious condition. If patients knew that they could use while in hospital, they would also be more likely to present at an earlier stage which would imply a shorter stay or may not even require admission.”, which was up to Oct.
News OVERDOSE PREVENTION DRUG CRISIS HOSPITAL B.C. HEALTHCARE
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Doctors Set Up Pop-Up Overdose Prevention Site Outside Comox Valley HospitalA group of doctors advocating for overdose-prevention sites for hospital patients is setting up a pop-up site outside Comox Valley Hospital on Monday. This follows the establishment of similar sites outside Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital since November. The goal is to provide a supervised drug-use space for patients who might otherwise use illicit drugs in hospital areas or off hospital grounds.
Read more »
Comox Valley Regional District Seeks Funding for Four Projects via Unified AAPThe Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is launching a unified Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek funding for four potential projects, including a new artificial turf field. This streamlined approach aims to save taxpayer dollars and efficiently obtain public approval. Residents can submit opposition to the projects between January 15th and February 18th.
Read more »
Comox Valley Food Bank seeks donations after post-holiday dipThe Comox Valley is hosting a food drive on Saturday after seeing a decline in food donations following the holidays.
Read more »
Comox Valley Airport Sees Record Growth in Passenger TrafficThe Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) experienced its largest year-over-year passenger increase in 2024, reaching 402,757 travelers. This represents an 8.3% growth compared to 2023. The airport attributes this surge to its focus on service, new routes to Kelowna, and seasonal flights to Toronto and Puerto Vallarta. Meanwhile, Victoria International Airport (YYJ) saw a smaller but still significant increase in passenger traffic from January to November 2024.
Read more »
Comox Valley Airport Sees Busiest Year Since PandemicThe Comox Valley Airport had a record-breaking year in 2024, surpassing 400,000 passengers for the third-busiest year in its history. This marks a significant rebound from the pandemic and an 8% increase compared to 2023. The airport's strong performance is attributed to increased demand for air travel, new routes, and expanded services.
Read more »
Helicopter Rescue for Unconscious Skier on Mount CainA skier was airlifted to hospital after falling unconscious on Mount Cain. Comox Valley Search and Rescue, along with the Mount Cain ski patrol and medical professionals, responded to the scene. Two helicopters were used in the rescue, with one hoisting the skier to the other for transport to the hospital.
Read more »