A mother in Vernon, BC is calling for answers after her 22-year-old son died as a result of a mental health crisis, raising concerns about capacity pressures within the psychiatric ward at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Ezra Cool checked himself into hospital on Feb. 6 to seek help and was involuntarily placed under the province’s Mental Health Act. But because the psychiatric unit was already operating at full capacity, the 22-year-old man spent six days waiting in the emergency room hallway for a bed.
His mother, Christal Cool, said the situation made her worry for her son’s safety.
“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” he said.
On the sixth day, Ezra escapes from the hospital and is struck by a vehicle near the facility.
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Cool told Global News he was concerned his son was being placed in the hallway, rather than the safe room, which was only used for a short time.
“I don’t think he was safe in that hallway, but I also don’t see him actually being able to get out because he would have had to go through security,” he said.
Interior Health confirmed to Global News that the psychiatric ward at Vernon Jubilee Hospital is currently operating at full capacity.
“Staffing levels are stable to maintain continued service delivery,” Interior Health said.
Health authorities did not provide additional details about where mental health patients were treated when the units were full.
“There’s a huge difference in care when you look at psych wards versus emergency rooms,” said BC Opposition critic for mental health and addiction, Claire Rattée. “First of all, this is a specialized area of psychiatry that you don’t necessarily have as much access to as you should.”
Rattée said the situation highlights broader capacity challenges as demand for psychiatric care increases across the province.
“This is about increasing capacity. This is about ensuring that we will get effective support for people wherever and whenever they need it,” he said.
In a statement, the BC Ministry of Health said, “The government continues to work hard to expand mental health services across the province, including in Vernon. While progress has been made, we know there is still more work to be done to ensure communities do not fall through the cracks.”
Interior Health said it is conducting a review of the circumstances surrounding the Ezra Cool case.
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