The Crisis Facing Children with Complex Health Needs in Ontario Hospitals
Lesley Scherer is haunted by the distressing image of her 16-year-old autistic son, Christopher, confined in a locked hospital room. Through the small window on the door, she witnessed him sitting with his head bowed, hands shackled tightly.
A Heartbreaking Crisis
- Christopher experienced a mental health crisis, the second of the day, outside a Bowmanville restaurant.
- Despite the severity of the situation, he was discharged after six hours without seeing a psychiatrist.
- Lesley was advised by a crisis nurse to surrender Christopher to the children’s aid society if she couldn’t manage him.
The Role of Child Welfare Agencies
Across Ontario, child welfare agencies are becoming the last resort for children and teens with complex health needs, despite lacking the mandate or resources to provide appropriate care. These children often have multiple mental health, developmental, or behavioral conditions, making it challenging to access necessary treatment and support.
Investigation by the Patient Ombudsman
The Patient Ombudsman investigated a case where a vulnerable youth with complex needs was inappropriately discharged to a children’s aid society from a hospital. The report highlighted the lack of appropriate discharge planning and support for the family.
Lessons Learned and Calls for Action
Recommendations for Hospitals
- The Patient Ombudsman recommended hospitals update their discharge policies to address the unique circumstances of pediatric patients.
- Hospitals need to establish safe discharge options for children who cannot return home.
- Collaboration with local child welfare agencies and health teams is essential to advocate for children with complex needs.
Advocating for Change
Parents like Lesley continue to fight for better services and support for their children with complex health needs. The struggle to access therapy, respite care, and essential services remains a significant challenge, impacting the well-being of families across the province.
Conclusion
The crisis facing children with complex health needs in Ontario hospitals calls for urgent attention and systemic changes to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. The stories of families like Lesley’s highlight the gaps in the healthcare system and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the needs of these vulnerable children.
FAQs
What are the challenges faced by children with complex health needs in Ontario hospitals?
Children with complex health needs often struggle to access appropriate treatment and support due to a lack of resources and coordination between healthcare and child welfare agencies.
How can hospitals improve their discharge planning for pediatric patients?
Hospitals need to update their policies to account for the unique circumstances of children with complex needs, establish safe discharge options, and collaborate with local agencies to ensure appropriate care transitions.