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害羞草研究所檚 害羞草研究所渄rug decriminalization experiment害羞草研究所� is also putting nurses and patients at risk.

害羞草研究所淥ften those using illicit drugs become volatile and a danger to nurses and fellow patients in shared rooms.害羞草研究所�

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.

The BC Nurses Union (BCNU) has also asked the government to protect its members and patients.

READ MORE: B.C.害羞草研究所檚 nurses support harm reduction, but call for additional safety measures

害羞草研究所淥ur work with the BCNU stands in stark contrast to the work done in the past,害羞草研究所� Health Minister Adrian Dix replied, referring to a previous Liberal provincial government.

Dix said between 2009 and 2016 the Liberals reduced the number of registered and psychiatric nurses in the healthcare system.

He said his ministry is working with the BCNU on security issues.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 why we restored SwtichBC, (Occupational Health and Safety Agency) that they (Liberals) disbanded, that works to protect nurses in the system.害羞草研究所�

Dix added that 320 security officers have been hired within the healthcare system.

害羞草研究所淭hat is precisely what the BCNU asked for.害羞草研究所�

Merrifield said BC United has learned that drug consumption and open drug dealing are happening on the rooftop garden at St. Paul害羞草研究所檚 Hospital in Vancouver.

害羞草研究所淎nd, that healthcare professionals are being advised not to report these activities to law enforcement.害羞草研究所�

She asked asked Dix to confirm the reports.

害羞草研究所� Nobody, nobody, nobody is constrained from reporting anything to law enforcement,害羞草研究所� Dix replied.

READ MORE: Substance exposure put 36 health workers on WorkSafeBC compensation in 2023