HOSPITALS SHOULD REPORT GUNSHOT
WOUNDS: RUNCIMAN
TORONTO - Hospitals and health
providers in Ontario should be required by law
to report gunshot wounds and knife injuries
to their local police, according to a resolution
tabled in the Legislature today by the PC Party’s
House Leader, Bob Runciman.
“It’s difficult to believe that
physicians and hospitals are required to report
patients who appear unfit to drive, but have
no obligation to co-operate with police if the
patient has suffered a gunshot or knife wound,”
said Runciman.
According to the former Conservative Solicitor
General, some Toronto police officers have described
a number of Toronto hospitals as “virtual
safe havens for injured gunmen on the lam”.
“This is an untenable situation and we
have to institute a law mandating reporting
and, at the same time, provide physicians and
others with a comfort level regarding their
ethical and statutory duties to patients,”
said Runciman.
Media Contact:
Lynne Clark
(416) 325-1522
