During an inquest into the tragic deaths of a family in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, a psychiatrist from Northern Health has emphasized the urgent need for a new mental health facility in the province.
Dr. Barbara Kane testified that the lack of adequate resources at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital may have played a role in the release of Christopher Duong, who later went on to allegedly kill his wife, Janet Nguyen, and their two young sons. Kane highlighted the challenging decision-making process involved in discharging patients due to resource limitations.
She noted that with the closure of the Riverview psychiatric hospital in Coquitlam in 2012, healthcare providers have been facing significant challenges in providing appropriate care to mental health patients in B.C. Kane stressed the necessity of establishing a new psychiatric hospital to address the existing gaps in mental health services in the province.
The inquest also revealed that Duong, who had a history of involvement in the drug trade, was apprehended by police after a disturbing incident where he claimed his family would be killed in a “hit” if they stopped driving. Despite suspicions about his criminal background, the RCMP confirmed that there was no evidence of anyone else being involved in the tragic deaths of the family members.
As the investigation continues, the testimonies shed light on the importance of improving mental health facilities and resources to prevent similar incidents in the future.