Tories downloading of care irresponsible

July 13, 2011

Alberta’s NDP Opposition community supports critic Rachel Notley saying the Tories share blame for the death of a mental health worker because of irresponsible downloading of patient care on to communities.

 “Mr. Saddleback’s care should never have been downloaded onto the Canadian Mental Health Association, whose mandate states they house individuals capable of living independently in the community. Given Mr. Saddleback’s history of violence and numerous evaluations, it seems he was never ready to live independently,” says Notley. “This case shows the Tories’ insistence, stated in much of their policy, that community is the best place for people with developmental disabilities is more about passing the buck than setting patients and care providers up for success.”

 Notley notes that Mr. Saddleback was refused care at another community agency, the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Services, because of violent incidents. Alberta’s Mental Health Act makes clear that community treatment orders should only be made when proper services are available in the community.

 “The Tories have shown a pattern, with seniors care, care for at-risk youth and persons with developmental disabilities, of downloading care onto communities and private groups who may not have the resources to handle the load. We saw this when two people were slain after kids escaped from Bosco Homes. We see it again with this poor mental health worker sent into a dangerously understaffed and vulnerable situation and killed. It has to stop.”

 Notley says the government should make sure in law that people accessing PDD services who pose a threat to themselves or others are put in properly resourced, public care.

                                     -30-