Skip to content

Kelowna MLA blasts health minister over alleged illicit drug use in hospitals

Renee Merrifield says government’s “drug decriminalization experiment” putting nurses, patients at risk
web1_240412-kcn-merrifield-hospital-drugs-merrifield_1
BC United Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield in the B.C. Legislature during Question Period on April 11, 2023. (Legislature video)

Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield has accused the NDP of facilitating illicit drug use in B.C. hospitals.

During Question Period in the Legislature Thursday (Apr 11), Merrifield said the provincial government’s “drug decriminalization experiment” is also putting nurses and patients at risk.

“Often those using illicit drugs become volatile and a danger to nurses and fellow patients in shared rooms.”

The matter gained attention over the past few days following a leaked memo that outlined how Northern Health staff should deal with patients who have substance use issues.

Support local journalism today

Join thousands of other like-minded readers and sign up below to gain immediate & unlimited access to our news for the next 30 days – plus start receiving our newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Recently joined Kelowna Capital News and WestK News as a multimedia journalist in January 2022. With almost 30 years of experience in news reporting and radio broadcasting...
Read more