DETOX SHUTDOWN WAS 'DISHEARTENING'

RE: 'Detox shutdown a surprise' (July 7). As a physician who works with
major industry in Hamilton, and independently with the substance-abuse
population within a methodone clinic, I was dismayed by the closure of the
Men's Detoxification Centre.

I find it extremely unsatisfactory that the action was taken without any
warning to even those of us who rely daily on the service. It caused me
exceptional problems on the day of the closure when I was faced with the
unavailability of treatment for a worker whom I had just spent several
hours convincing to seek help. As a result, he had to be first rerouted to
a St. Catharines centre, which was full, and then to Brampton, where he had
to spend eight hours in emergency before being cleared to enter treatment.

On the other side of this issue, when I am dealing with street drug
addicts, it is life saving to have a facility immediately available where
they can be sent. A delay in treatment at this point often results in the
individual returning to the streets where he/she faces an even greater risk
of overdosing or becoming involved with crime to support his/her habit.

All facets of our society operate on the basis of having the correct piece
of paper to say that one is qualified to do a particular job. But this is
rarely a guarantee that the job will be done any better or even as well.
Experience, accumulated knowledge, and dedication are probably more
important in meeting this goal. No amount of classroom work prepares one to
deal effectively with the addicted population.

This feet-first approach in closing a facility which is essential to
frontline workers dealing with the addicted population is very foolhardy.
Beyond the lack of consultation or warning, or the pre-arranged provision
of alternative facilities, this action has denied essential treatment
sources to those who require them -- the addict.

I hope the new centre is prepared to deal with this population with the
professional approach of the one that has been displaced. But I will be
extremely surprised if the facility, when it is re-opened, can provide an
equivalent, little less superior, service to that which has been closed. To
discount the dedication and professionalism of these individuals is very
disheartening.

- -- G. E. Jollymore, MD, Hamilton.