INSITE IS ETHICAL, NURSES MAINTAIN

As registered nurses working at Vancouver's supervised injection
facility, InSite, we sympathize with our colleague and her sentiment
that people who use drugs need our utmost compassion ("Insite
ethics," Aug. 28). It is precisely for this reason that registered
nurses reject federal Health Minister Tony Clement's criticisms of InSite.

We have a professional obligation to promote the health and
well-being of all Canadians, including those who use injection drugs.

Harm reduction is consistent with the Canadian Nurses Association
code of ethics for safe, compassionate and competent care and the
promotion of health, well-being, dignity and justice. In addition,
harm reduction is aligned with the College of Registered Nurses of
B.C. standards for nursing practice, WHO guidelines and the B.C.
Supreme Court ruling that access to InSite constitutes a charter
right to life, liberty and security of the person.

Nurses have a duty to provide users with health care and education so
that potential harms associated with intravenous injections are
minimized and that opportunities to engage clients are optimized.

Research has proven that InSite increases referrals to detox, slows
the spread of diseases and decreases overdose deaths. InSite helps
drug users stabilize their lives so that they may be empowered to
make healthier choices over time.

As registered nurses, we believe it is our ethical imperative to work
to reduce human suffering and preserve dignity and access to health
care for society's most marginalized citizens.

Meaghan Thumath, RN

Beverley Lightfoot, RN

Sargent Hayden, RN

Vancouver