Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond providing an update on her investigation into allegations of racism primarily impacting Indigenous patients in B.C. emergency rooms. (Government of B.C.)

By Ian Holmes

terms of reference

Emergency room racism allegations involve ‘all regions of British Columbia’

Jul 9, 2020 | 4:45 PM

NANAIMO — The investigator looking into racism complaints linked to medical professionals in B.C. emergency rooms revealed the “highly disturbing allegations” are widespread.

Independent investigator Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond laid out her terms of reference into allegations a game to guess intoxication levels of primarily Indigenous patients was occurring in B.C. Hospitals.

Turpel-Lafond told a Thursday, July 9 news conference she’s surprised by the extent of the complaints lodged early in the review.

“What I’m hearing is about concerns that are in all regions of British Columbia, in all health authorities,” she said, while pointing out the allegations appear to involve an extended period of time.

No individual hospital settings were implicated in the allegations during the nearly hour-long briefing, which included numerous questions from reporters.

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Turpel-Lafond, a former judge and provincial youth advocate, said the review’s early days suggest not only individuals are involved in racist conduct in emergency rooms, but workplace environments don’t stop it.

The review also involves a wider look at systemic racism in B.C. health care.

She expected her probe’s biggest obstacle will be hearing from physicians and nurses who may have either been involved or witnessed racism compromising the healthcare system.

“People are very fearful of retaliation and recrimination, which is why again today I’m saying the purpose of this investigation is not to name and shame, but to ensure this is their opportunity to speak up.”

Turpel-Lafond announced an online survey for Indigenous peoples in the province asking for their experiences in the health care system.

She expected her team’s findings to be released publicly in stages, while noting the effort is supported by government, healthcare representatives and Indigenous groups in B.C.

Turpel-Lafond believed “significant pressure” will be applied on government for their recommendations to be implemented by the province to effect real change.

Turpel-Lafond was appointed June 19 by the health minister after Adrian Dix said he learned the evening prior of disturbing allegations in B.C. emergency rooms.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes