I read the article about how the city would like to continue using the old hospital as a mental health facility. I think it's an excellent idea.
For quite some time now, I have been mentioning on social media and in letters to members of parliament that this might be one answer to the homeless problem. I see so many people who are suffering from addictions and/or mental issues, and they are not getting the proper help they need. I believe these people need to be in an appropriate setting to get treated properly and kept in the facility until they are deemed fit to return to society.
I have had people disagree with me that they shouldn't be kept in a cold, sterile place, that they have rights, and that the medical practices are cruel. A lot of medical practices were indeed cruel in some hospitals. But medicine has come a long way, and there are better forms of treatment now. As for their rights, many of them are unable to decide what's best for themselves.
If we can stand by and allow them to live on the streets in horrible conditions and suffer from addiction, cold and hunger simply because their rights are more important, what does that say about us?
A while ago, a close relative had to go to the hospital because she was sick, and they ended up putting her out in the emergency lobby with the other patients. When they finally brought her in, she had to wait longer. A patient was having problems, and it took many of the staff and security to keep him calm. They were already short-staffed, but many patients, my relative included, had to wait to be seen because of this situation.
If there was a separate hospital specialized in dealing with these types of situations, I believe it would free up a lot of space for shorter wait times and less stress on the medical staff.
If the hospital is not earthquake-friendly, find a way to make it earthquake-friendly. Also, fix the hospital for security purposes so that patients are safe and cannot leave the premises as they please. It would be a terrible waste to tear the building down when it could be used to improve the lives of so many in need.
Melissa Black
Duncan
