Pubdate: Sat, 06 Sep 2008
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Meaghan Thumath, RN, Beverley Lightfoot, RN and Sargent Hayden, RN

INSITE IS ETHICAL, NURSES MAINTAIN

As registered nurses working at Vancouver's supervised injection 
facility, InSite, we sympathize with our colleague and her sentiment 
that people who use drugs need our utmost compassion ("Insite 
ethics," Aug. 28). It is precisely for this reason that registered 
nurses reject federal Health Minister Tony Clement's criticisms of InSite.

We have a professional obligation to promote the health and 
well-being of all Canadians, including those who use injection drugs.

Harm reduction is consistent with the Canadian Nurses Association 
code of ethics for safe, compassionate and competent care and the 
promotion of health, well-being, dignity and justice. In addition, 
harm reduction is aligned with the College of Registered Nurses of 
B.C. standards for nursing practice, WHO guidelines and the B.C. 
Supreme Court ruling that access to InSite constitutes a charter 
right to life, liberty and security of the person.

Nurses have a duty to provide users with health care and education so 
that potential harms associated with intravenous injections are 
minimized and that opportunities to engage clients are optimized.

Research has proven that InSite increases referrals to detox, slows 
the spread of diseases and decreases overdose deaths. InSite helps 
drug users stabilize their lives so that they may be empowered to 
make healthier choices over time.

As registered nurses, we believe it is our ethical imperative to work 
to reduce human suffering and preserve dignity and access to health 
care for society's most marginalized citizens.

Meaghan Thumath, RN

Beverley Lightfoot, RN

Sargent Hayden, RN

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart