November 26, 1998
(Health and Community Services)

The following statement was issued today by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Sadly, I stand today to address a tragic incident which occurred yesterday, resulting in the death of a young man at St. Clare's Hospital, in St. John's. I would first, like to offer my sincere condolence to the family of this man. I am also thinking about the staff of the hospital today as they too have to deal with this tragedy.

I have spoken to the CEO of the St. John's Health Care Corporation, Sister Elizabeth Davis, who too conveys her sympathies to the family. I have been told that even before the investigation of the chief medical examiner is completed, immediate action will be taken as a result of this incident. All windows at St. Clare's will be secured temporarily until locking devices from the United States are received in December and installed as a permanent measure.

No two incidents are alike and each has to be dealt with on its own individual merit. The normal process which is followed after a sudden death in one of our hospitals includes an investigation by the province's chief medical examiner as related to the Fatalities Investigation Act. Where one or more suspicious deaths occur in a facility, the medical investigator may recommend to the Minister of Justice that an inquiry be held. This recommendation must be in writing and accompanied by appropriate documents. The Minister of Justice reviews the medical investigators report and may order that a judge conduct a public inquiry. If a judge conducts an inquiry, the findings are given to the attorney general who determines whether they become public.

Since the time of another tragic death at St. Clare's earlier this year, the Health Care Corporation has taken certain follow-up actions. A decision to purchase and install safety devices was made. These mechanisms were ordered for more than 150 windows, with delivery and installation due to be completed by the end of the year. Other measures may be outlined in the report of the chief medical examiner to the Minister of Justice.

The Health Care Corporation currently offers a two-day suicide intervention workshop to staff within and outside the Health Care Corporation by a certified trainer in suicide prevention. This workshop is offered on a regular basis and is well attended. The Health Care Corporation has developed a suicide assessment tool for patients within the Mental Health Program. The Health Care Corporation is in the process of developing protocols for suicide assessment for nursing and other staff working on medical and surgical nursing units in community hospitals. Education sessions will be held expeditiously for all staff.

Earlier this fall, the Health Care Corporation had commenced a process of engaging a team of mental health professionals from outside this province to review all suicides at the St. John's hospitals during the last 10 years. This team will include a psychiatrist and will evaluate the approach of the Health Care Corporation of St. John's in these types of circumstances. The process will begin in the new year.

Sadly we can not change the outcome of yesterday's tragedy. Again, I express my heart-felt sympathy to the family involved. I am confident the staff and management of St. Clare's Hospital provide the best possible care for their patients and I also sympathize with them today. While we will never prevent all sudden deaths in this province, we continue to work very hard towards that end.

1998 11 26 4:15 p.m.