The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute signed an agreement today that concludes an enquiry undertaken by the Commission, which entailed an investigation of the inadequate living conditions of fifteen former residents with psychiatric problems or intellectual deficiencies. The Pavillon des Pins was an intermediate resource under contract with the Douglas. The agreement signed was to the satisfaction of the Curateur public du Québec and patient representatives.

After a visit by representatives of the Curateur public in fall 2003, the Douglas immediately relocated the residents of the Pavillon des Pins, many of whom were represented by the Curateur public. The residence was closed and the Douglas implemented an intervention plan.

"This agreement will ensure the long-term quality care of these vulnerable people and will prevent this kind of situation from occurring in the future,” stated Mr. Pierre Marois, President of the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. “It is a good example of the purpose of Article 48 of the Quebec Charter, which protects every aged or handicapped person against any form of exploitation.”

Financial compensation and personalized professional services

The modalities of the agreement are for the Douglas to provide financial compensation and personalized professional services to the former residents of the Pavillon des Pins as means to improve their quality of life. The amount of compensation will remain confidential. “The modalities of this agreement illustrate that the Douglas administration and its professional staff consider this kind of situation to be completely unacceptable. Actions have been and will be taken to assure the quality of patients’ living environments both now and in the future and according to strict standards related to integrity, dignity and comfort,” explained Hélène Racine, Director of Nursing, Quality and Risk Management at the Douglas Institute.

In recent years, the Douglas has established firm corrective and preventive measures, such as:

• Reinforcing quality standards in residences.
• Implementing a zero-tolerance policy regarding non-compliance with these standards, which has led to the withdrawal of 14 residence contracts.
• Establishing a quality assurance committee that monitors the application of these standards.
• Promoting better dialogue between patients, residences, families, community organizations and care providers.

The Public Curator is satisfied with the agreement

For Ms. Diane Lavallée, the Public Curator, the conclusion of this matter is indeed a solution that is in the best interest of the people she represents. Indeed, eight of the fifteen people affected by the agreement are represented by the Curateur public du Québec. “There is no doubt that the Douglas has cooperated in a dynamic and thorough manner in the follow-up of the approximately 250 people I represent who are housed by the institution,” remarked Ms. Lavallée. “The measures put in place are definitely concrete responses to the common goals of the Curateur public and the Douglas to ensure the protection and well-being of incapacitated persons out of the greatest respect of their rights and dignity.”