BC United is bringing forward a new law to enhance communication between families with relatives facing a mental health crisis and their health-care providers.
The proposed Mental Health Amendment Act would mandate health-care teams to involve families when certifying a patient under the Mental Health Act and inform them before their patient is discharged.
The inspiration behind the legislation comes from families who have lost a loved one.
They believe that improved sharing of information could have possibly saved lives.
Alex Pazder, who lost his brother to suicide, told Global News: “If we had been notified, if medical staff had engaged with us as a family, James might still be alive today.
“If they had been able to talk with us, if they had been able to hear our perspective, then perhaps things would be different.”
Elenor Sturko, B.C. United’s mental health, addictions, and recovery critic, who introduced the bill, stated that the people who know those in crisis best are their families and loved ones.
“Families have a lifetime of experience with the person in crisis. They have a lot of information to offer to the care team of their loved one to provide assistance, and they are willing to help,” she added.
The provincial government is currently reviewing this legislation while addressing concerns about the existing family notification guidelines.
