We write to state our objection to the closing of the 18-bed transition unit at P.E.I.’s addictions treatment facility, and the discharging of the patients there. The program at that unit includes counselling and group therapy sessions for recovering addicts coming out of detox.
Although the intention may be to free up space, as demand for hospital beds is expected to increase in the COVID-19 pandemic, this closing of the transition unit is likely to cause more problems for our hospitals than it would prevent, and is very harmful for recovering addicts, who are very liable to relapse.
As stated by Ellen Taylor in the CBC article, Addictions transition unit closed and patients discharged to prepare for COVID-19: “These are the people who are going to be putting more pressure on our health-care system if they're not getting the help they need.”
We urge the Minister of Health James Aylward to re-open the transition unit and find a better solution for office space to prepare for the possibility of increased demands from COVID-19.
Tony Reddin and Marion Copleston,
Bonshaw
