Public Statement – Waypoint receives Statement of Claim
Posted on 10/19/2020
Public Statement – Waypoint receives Statement of Claim
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has received a statement of claim under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992 primarily alleging use of solitary confinement and segregation. There are further allegations related to seclusion and restraint of persons admitted to the hospital from 2000 to present. The allegations in the statement of claim are not true and will be denied in court. The claim has yet to be certified as a class proceeding.
Waypoint does not use solitary confinement or segregation. Waypoint only uses restraints and seclusion where it is necessary to protect a patient, other patients, staff and/or others from the immediate risk of serious bodily harm and only as a last resort. Mental illness, and the treatment and care of those who are acutely ill, is complex. Waypoint supports a recovery oriented approach to patient care and a least restraint philosophy. This means that the use of seclusion is used as a last resort, after other therapeutic alternatives have been considered and determined to be ineffective.
Waypoint is focused on evidence-based treatment and care in accordance with accepted medical standards, and providing a safe, high quality therapeutic environment. Waypoint has adopted policies and procedures to support and accommodate the dignity, rights and independence of its patients, while also recognizing that Waypoint is responsible and accountable for providing a safe environment for all of its patients, its staff and others. It is also important to understand that seclusion for hospital patients is not solitary confinement. Patients are therapeutically engaged and assessed rigorously while in seclusion.
As this is a matter before the courts, we are limited in the information that can be shared and do not have any further comments at this time. While names may be included in media coverage, we will not provide patient specific information in adherence to privacy legislation.
We encourage you to read about the Good Things Happening at Waypoint, our strategic focus and corporate objectives for patient centred care and evidenced based practices, and our achievement of Exemplary Status from Accreditation Canada. You can be confident in the care and treatment we provide to our patients, clients and community.