Local Journalism Initiative

Residents share experiences with forced hospitalization at public consultation

Sophie Demers 

Droit-Accès de l'Outaouais held a public consultation on May 15 at the Maison du citoyen in Gatineau for individuals to share their experiences with forced hospitalization under Act P-38.

Act P-38, established in 1997, allows for the forced hospitalization of individuals whose mental state is deemed a danger to themselves or others. In an interview with CHIP FM, Mélodie Pelletier, consultant and head of media strategy at Droit-Accès de l'Outaouais, said around fifty people shared their experiences with forced hospitalizations during the consultation.

“Emotions ran high because it’s hard to relive the ordeal. For many, their experience was unpleasant or traumatizing,” said Pelletier. She went on to explain that many patients didn’t understand what was happening when they were being committed because no one explained the process to them. Others mentioned being isolated, medicated, or mistreated. Still, more shed light on the stigma and consequences they faced once they were released from their hospitalization, such as job loss resulting from missed work.

According to Droit-Accès de l'Outaouais, the Act is necessary, but the problems lie in its application. They note that several changes are needed. Some suggestions include more training for healthcare workers, differentiating between mental and physical health, and developing mental health respite centres. 

The consultation is one of many happening all over the province. The information will be compiled into a report that will be sent to the Quebec government and the Institut québécois de réforme du droit et de la justice in preparation for the Act’s review. Pelletier said the report will be sent in December. 

Droit-Accès de l'Outaouais’ mission is to provide assistance, support and advocacy for people with mental health issues who have had their rights infringed upon. They have responded to over 2,500 interventions this year; almost half have been related to forced hospitalizations.