To the editor,
I had occasion to go into the emergency room as my wife had a medical emergency that she needed treatment for.
I was totally stunned at what we observed. There were many people with mental health and addictions issues in the emergency at this time and I would have to say they were taking up so much of the staff time they were in essence taking over the emergency room.
They were queuing in line as we all did, laying on some of the waiting benches, shouting and yelling, we saw one drug exchange in the emergency room, some coming and going from the outside, I believe consuming drugs and returning.
They kept the four security guards completely busy and over-taxed the other staff as well. I observed staff speaking with several by their first name so it would appear this was a common occurrence. Kudos to the staff as they were doing the best they could, but they were having a difficult time.
Everyone is now allowed any kind of street dope for their own consumption. The government seems to think people are responsible enough to deal with this type of approach and utilize drugs in a responsible manner. It is very clear by now that these people are irresponsible and definitely need serious and forcible help in dealing with their serious problems. The good of every taxpaying citizen in this city has to be taken into account. The government at several levels has opened the drug floodgates and it is destroying society.
Once again I congratulate the medical staff in emergency as I don’t know how you can work in such a ridiculous, government-created environment.
There is a saying that I think somewhat pertains to all of this: “for the forces of evil to be successful a few good men simply have to do nothing.” Politicians at all levels, although complicated and difficult, it is time to do the right thing as they are the only ones that have the ability and the resources.
S. Andrews, Nanaimo
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