Allegations of racist game in B.C. hospitals

B.C.’s health minister vowed Friday that “action will follow” an investigation into allegations that doctors and health-care workers were playing a “racist and unacceptable” game at undisclosed locations in the province.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said he found out Thursday evening about allegations that health-care workers in the emergency room had played a game in which they guessed the blood-alcohol level of largely Indigenous patients before they received treatment.

No health-care workers have yet been suspended as a result of the allegations, which Dix said were credible enough to warrant an investigation.

He has appointed Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, a well-known Indigenous lawyer and former provincial representative for children and youth, to conduct an investigation, and make recommendations.

“She will have the authority and the power to investigate as she sees fit,” Dix said. “If substantiated, these practices are racist and unacceptable.”

Dix said he hopes the investigation can be an opportunity to accelerate reconciliation efforts within B.C.’s health-care system.

Turpel-Lafond said she intends to release more information about what will be a detailed investigation plan next week.

Doctors of B.C. president Dr. Kathleen Ross said she was disturbed when she found out about the allegations Friday.

Premier John Horgan called it “ugly, anti-Indigenous, racist behaviour.”