An investigation by New Brunswick’s ombud uncovered distressing incidents of mistreatment towards psychiatric patients at the Restigouche Hospital Centre in Campbellton. Patients reported being subjected to physical and sexual assault, forced to urinate and defecate on the floor, and neglected while restrained or secluded.
The ombud, Marie-France Pelletier, emphasized that seclusion and restraint should only be used as a last resort for patients posing a danger, following attempts to de-escalate situations. However, it was found that staff at the center were not always abiding by these guidelines or conducting regular checks on restrained patients.
Patients lodged complaints stating that their basic needs, such as using the restroom, showering, and eating meals properly, were often ignored during these interventions. Shockingly, instances of physical harm, including a reported case of sexual assault by staff while a patient was restrained, were uncovered and verified through video evidence.
Despite these findings, the report revealed a lack of monitoring systems in place to track restraint usage in facilities operated by regional health authorities. In response, the Restigouche Hospital Centre has introduced a live dashboard for staff to document when physical restraints are applied.
Pelletier issued 21 recommendations aimed at improving practices in psychiatric units across New Brunswick, including updates to the Mental Health Act to restrict the use of restrictive measures, better documentation on restraint usage, and the implementation of new policies on force and the use of spit hoods. Both Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network have pledged to act upon the report’s recommendations, acknowledging the need for systemic improvements.
In light of these revelations, government officials, health authorities, and advocates have expressed commitment to implementing necessary changes to enhance patient care and safety in psychiatric settings.