People First Media program archive
Header

Too many patients are restrained

September 15th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Too many patients are restrained)

A recent study confirms that one in four psychiatric patients in Ontario was restrained or isolated while in treatment

The use of control interventions, including physical and mechanical restraints, acute control medications and seclusion, is understood to be a method of last resort in care facilities and hospitals. However, according to a new analysis [opens to PDF] from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), nearly one in four (24%) individuals admitted to a designated mental health bed in Ontario experienced at least one type of control intervention during their hospitalization.

Patients admitted to a general hospital, as opposed to a psychiatric hospital, were actually more likely to experience the use of restraint(s). (more…)

, , ,

Nontoxic approach to treating cancer

September 8th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Nontoxic approach to treating cancer)

Fighting Cancer presents overview of the ‘Gorter model’, the research behind it, and ways to strengthen natural immunity

The Gorter Model is described as an integrative, nontoxic approach to cancer treatment that mobilizes the immune system. It was developed by Robert Gorter, a medical doctor, who recovered from cancer by using nontoxic treatment and no chemotherapy or radiation. Gorter based his model on self-experience, extensive research, and decades of clinical practice.

Now Dr. Gorter and co-author Erik Peper, a professor from San Francisco State University, have written a book called “Fighting Cancer: Mobilize Your Immune System Using the Gorter Model.”  Fighting Cancer presents a clear overview of the Gorter model, the research behind it, and strategies for strengthening natural immunity. (more…)

,

Suppressing schizophrenia

September 1st, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Suppressing schizophrenia)

Mental health advocate Susan Inman says schizophrenia is invisible in Canada’s new mental health strategy

In 2007, the Government of Canada established a group called the Mental Health Commission of Canada to develop a national mental health strategy. The commission, headed by Michael Kirby, is due to release its strategy document in early 2012. A draft copy of that strategy [opens to PDF], not intended to be available to the public, is currently being finalized. (more…)

, , , ,

Death with dignity back in focus

July 21st, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Russel Ogden—and the Farewell Foundation—prepare plans for Canada’s first facility to offer legal assisted suicide

Last November, sociology professor Russel Ogden offered to accompany a small group of Canadians to Switzerland’s Dignitas centre and to act as a witness to the assisted suicide of a severely ill family member. When he saw the effects of Canada’s criminal code on the family and their loved one, the social scientist became a legal activist. Russel Ogden and several associates formed an organization called the Farewell Foundation, which believes its members should have the right to receive assistance to end their lives, and that members should have the right to provide assistance. (more…)

, , ,

In the mental health holding cell

June 23rd, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on In the mental health holding cell)

Multiple fingers point to a ‘debacle’ unfolding at the psychiatric emergency service in Victoria, British Columbia

The Archie Courtnall Centre [opens to PDF], also known as the Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES), is connected to the ER at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital. Two years after its opening, the number of patients trying to access services at PES was overwhelming what was available. The clinical director resigned, saying the PES had “become the default processing centre for addicted individuals seeking treatment” due to lack of detox beds in the region. (more…)

, , , ,

From old school to new school

June 16th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on From old school to new school)

Consensus about the value of recovery-based health systems and programs grows, but how are they best implemented?

The goal of many mental health services and treatments is now recovery. This wasn’t always the case. In the past, mental health professionals told people with mental illness and their families that most illnesses got worse over time. People were told to lower their expectations. But now recovery is the goal—and it can mean anything from the complete absence of the symptoms of mental illness to living a full life in the community while learning to live with ongoing symptoms. [Source: Canadian Mental Health Association]

What is the “recovery model” and how does it differ from old school approaches? And how can a recovery model be implemented? (more…)

, , , , , ,