B.C. MLA Claims Broken System Caused Vernon Hospital Escape, Death
B.C. MLA Claire Rattée has criticized the provincial system following the tragic death of a 22-year-old man, Ezra Cool, who escaped from Vernon Jubilee Hospital while under psychiatric care. His escape ended in tragedy when he was hit by a semi-truck on February 12, about one kilometer from the hospital.
Dysfunctional System Highlighted
Rattée, serving as the mental health opposition critic, emphasized that the current system is not functional. “This is not a system that is functional right now,” she stated during a media scrum on February 26. Cool’s family reported he was facing psychosis and voluntarily admitted himself for help, only to be certified under the Mental Health Act for involuntary treatment.
Call for Accountability
Rattée has been vocal about the need for a full explanation from the Minister of Health regarding the circumstances of Cool’s escape and death. After four psychiatrists resigned from the Vernon hospital last year, she raised concerns that this exodus contributed to the operational failures that led to Cool’s tragedy.
Ongoing Investigations
- Interior Health has not provided extensive comments, citing ongoing investigations by the RCMP and the health authority itself.
- Dr. Peter Bosma, Interior Health’s executive medical director, reassured the public that outpatient care would remain accessible despite the psychiatrist resignations.
However, Rattée stressed that the lack of sufficient monitoring during Cool’s stay complicates the situation further. She questioned, “How did he escape from the hospital?” and noted that every British Columbian should be concerned about the mental health system’s capability to support those in need.
Highlighting the Mental Health Crisis
Rattée pointed out a broader mental health crisis affecting British Columbia, stating the government has not been proactive in addressing it. She drew attention to budgetary constraints delaying necessary long-term care projects, which could worsen the current overload in acute care sectors.
Cool’s family shared that he spent six days in the emergency department without being transferred to a psychiatric ward. Rattée remarked that an emergency room is unsuitable for long-term psychiatric care and stressed the dangers of keeping patients like Cool in such an environment.
A Call for Psychiatric Facilities
Rattée’s pressing question remains: when will the province commit to building a dedicated psychiatric hospital? She highlighted the urgent need for such facilities, noting that many individuals across the province, from urban to remote areas, struggle with mental health issues.
As of February 24, no information has emerged regarding the truck driver involved in the accident. The tragic circumstances surrounding Cool’s case raise critical questions about the state of mental health care in British Columbia and the urgent need for reform.
