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Peter Radesh: Detained at the Royal Alex

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Letter

HAND DELIVERED

February 26, 2010

Dr. William Dickout, Medical Director
Dr. N. Dean, MD
Dr. Gary Goldsand, Clinical Ethicist
Ms. Rebecca Fagan BA, Bsc, RSW
Ms. Paulette Stayco RN, Ward Manager,
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton.
1240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

We find it troubling that seniors are being detained in active treatment beds.
royal alexandra atrium exterior
Many are given little or no nursing care. They have no recreation, they are never taken out of doors and are not allowed to leave the ward for a cup of coffee. No one speaks to them, they are given little or no mental stimulation but spend their days in a poorly lit, somewhat less than pleasant room. We have been told that often the rooms are cold and the beds are ill fitting and uncomfortable. We have learned that it is ‘policy’ to keep these seniors clothed in pyjamas. In a number of instances, they are being closely guarded, by security guards/ or staff posted at the door.

Seniors are not being served with the documents which are keeping them detained, in breach of legislation. Family members, even lawyers have been denied access to documents. We have a document from a Capitol Health employee which informed a lawyer that documents would not be released.

Criminals at the Remand center are given full disclosure as to why they are being detained. Professional doctors, nurses, social workers all cooperate in this bizarre process.

One senior who had been detained for a month, finally was released after we retained a lawyer for him. The lawyer told ward staff that they had no right to hold him. They didn’t. But if a lawyer had not intervened, he might still be detained. The gentleman was able to return to his warm comfortable home and bed.

They paid their taxes, they have had no conflict with the law. They are taking up active treatment beds, paid for by tax dollars, that should be available for sick Albertans.

We would be grateful to be in receipt of a response in regard to our concerns by the 10th, of March, 2010. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Elder Advocates of Alberta Society

Response

Dickout Dr. reply

Letter

HAND DELIVERED

May 26, 2010

Mr. Gene Zwozdesky, the Honourable Minister of Health & Wellness,
Dr. William Dickout, MD, Medical Director
Dr. N.Dean, MD, Unit # 53
Dr. Gary Goldsand, Clinical Ethicist,
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton.
1240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Dear Sirs:

Reference – Mr. Peter Radesh

Further to our correspondence of March 18, 2010, we continue to find it troubling that seniors are being detained in active treatment beds at the Royal Alexandria Hospital.
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On December 3, 2009, Mr. Radesh entered hospital for care and has never again been allowed to leave.

Why is Mr. Radesh being held under guard on Station 5309 # 2 since December 3rd, 2009?

Why is he never allowed to leave the unit? He is being given virtually no nursing care, is provided no recreation. He is never taken out of doors and not allowed to leave the ward for a cup of coffee.

He is being given little or no mental stimulation but spends his days in a poorly lit, somewhat less than pleasant room. He is being closely guarded, by security guards/ or staff posted at the door.

He has been declared a confidential patient.

We submit that Mr Radesh is being detained under Section # 89, of the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, which allowed a Royal Alexandria Hospital physician, probably Dr. N. Dean to appoint a Decision Maker who has power to deny Peter Radesh all his rights.

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We would be grateful to be in receipt of a response in regard to our concerns by the 15th of June, 2010. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Elder Advocates of Alberta Society

cc. Mr. Peter Radesh

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