Patient went to ER 180 times, says Eby, as he names science adviser on drug crisis – Kelowna Now

Jun 6, 2024

In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, one person made 180 hospital visits last year, according to Premier David Eby, who said the patient was part of a crisis of repeated emergencies among people with overlapping health and addiction problems.

They include people with brain injuries from overdoses who show up in British Columbia hospitals far more often than most, he said.

Eby called the situation one of the “biggest challenges” facing the province, as he announced the appointment of a chief scientific adviser to address this “rapidly emerging group” of people with the concurrent disorders who need specialized care.

“As the toxic-drug crisis changes, we’re facing new challenges and grappling with a growing group of people who are very sick and struggling in our streets and emergency rooms,” he said in a news release on Wednesday.

“The current situation is not working for these people and it’s not working for our communities.”

Read More: https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Provincial/Patient_went_to_ER_180_times_says_Eby_as_he_names_science_adviser_on_drug_crisis/

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