In conversation with the doctor who set up an unsanctioned OPS across from NRGH

Dr. Jessica Wilder stands in front of the pop up overdose prevention site erected this week across the street from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. (Joe Pugh/CHLY)

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It’s the final day for a pop up overdose prevention site(OPS) operating across the street from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Dr. Jess Wilder, a physician who works in addiction medicine at the hospital is a member of the group Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, who are calling for the government of B.C. to create sanctioned, fully staffed overdose prevention sites at B.C. Hospitals.

Wilder led the effort to create the unsanctioned, unfunded Nanaimo site, which was forced to relocate off of hospital grounds on Monday. 

There was also a pop up site set up outside Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, which was only planned to run until this past Wednesday.

Overdose prevention sites are locations where people can use substances under the supervision of staff that can monitor for drug poisoning and respond to an overdose if needed.

Midcoast Morning visited the site in Nanaimo to speak with the physician who set it up.

Transcript:

Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.

Guests:

  • Dr. Jessica Wilder - physician, NRGH

Program Team:

  • Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

  • Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

  • Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Theme Music:

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Joe Pugh