Doctors wrap up pop-up overdose-prevention site on Vancouver Island

A group of doctors who advocate on behalf of people who use substances wrapped up an unsanctioned overdose prevention site outside the Comox Valley Hospital in Courtenay Friday.

Doctors for Safer Drug Policy has managed the unsanctioned overdose prevention site since Monday and says it is urging the government to speed up the rollout of overdose prevention sites in three hospitals on Vancouver Island.

“Now we’re waiting for them to roll out these in our community,” said Dr. Eva Hemmerich, an addictions specialist at the Comox Valley Hospital.

“They were already planned for having one in Nanaimo, one in Campbell River, and one at Jubilee Hospital. But all the hospitals deserve them, including ours, so we’re just waiting for their action.”

Hemmerich adds this also coincides with hospital staff expressing concerns about the risks of unintended exposure to unregulated substances.