Website launched seeking public’s input to investigate systemic racism in healthcare

Website launched seeking public's input to investigate systemic racism in healthcare
Province of BC
Independent investigator, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, announced on Thursday that a website has been launched in order to assist with her investigation into systemic racism in healthcare within BC.

Independent investigator, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, announced on Thursday that a website has been launched in order to assist with her investigation into systemic racism in healthcare within BC.

Turpel-Lafond was appointed on June 19 by Health Minister Adrian Dix, to investigate “highly disturbing” allegations of racism in BC emergency rooms.

Some healthcare staff across the province have been accused of playing a game where they attempted to guess the blood alcohol level of patients, particularly of Indigenous people.

“Our task is to address the specific incidents that have been reported, as well as to gauge the levels of systemic and individual racism that Indigenous peoples face when using the health care system in general,” Turpel-Lafond said.

As the former Child and Youth Advocate prepares to launch her investigation into the alleged “racist games,” she highlights that a website has been created in order to provide a wider look at systemic racism in BC healthcare.

The website includes a survey for Indigenous people in British Columbia, asking to describe their experiences in the healthcare system.

The survey can be found on the BC Government’s Addressing Racism website.

“I urge Indigenous peoples to participate in our survey so that we can get an accurate picture of how broad these problems are,” Turpel-Lafond said. “This is your chance to speak.”

In addition to the website survey, an anti-racist hotline, as well as an e-mail address, has been set up in order for people to share their experiences or knowledge of racism in healthcare. Residents can call 1-888-600-3078 or e-mail [email protected].

Turpel-Lafond said that racism can often be a barrier to Indigenous peoples accessing health care and that building confidence in the system is extremely important, during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the future.

“We want this report to lead to positive change,” Turpel-Lafond said. “The objective is to examine what is happening and to work to build confidence in a health care system that supports all people in this province.”

After examining the systemic racism that occurs in the health system, the BC Government said the investigating team, headed by Turpel-Lafond, will make a number of recommendations designed to “prompt necessary improvements.”

In order to uncover more information on the serious allegations surrounding the racist games being played in emergency rooms, Turpel-Lafond said she has assembled a small team. The team includes members with direct clinical experience, knowledge of the health care system and expertise in conducting complex investigations.

“I’m glad that the minister called for this independent investigation. Based on the emails, calls and stories we have received so far, it is very much needed.”

No timeline has been outlined by the BC Government for releasing results from this investigation.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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