Several anonymous sources wanted to denounce a situation that they consider worrying at the Val-d’Or hospital pharmacy. A person who has worked there for around 10 years is said to have committed drug thefts without apparently suffering any consequences.
According to the denunciations made so far (others could be added), the necessary actions in this type of situation would not have been taken by the superiors of the person at fault when they were made aware.
“This person stole medications including muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine), antibiotics, gout medications and then benzodiazepines (diazepam), even sachets of medication with a patient’s name on it (which must be confidential). I don’t know if you know but stealing benzodiazepines is serious. There must be a federal investigation. It’s like narcotics,” denounced one of the anonymous sources.
The regulation on benzodiazepines and other targeted substances, in section 35.2, stipulates that the authorized distributor who becomes aware of a theft of targeted substances must provide a written report to a member of a police force within twenty- following four hours, as well as a written report to the Minister within the following seventy-two hours.
“Everyone does it”
Relatives of the person suspected of drug theft reported him about a year ago. Photos were taken of the cabinet where she stored the tablets. There we see bottles indicating the names of patients from the pharmacy.
The immediate supervisor was informed, who immediately reported to Stéphane Gingras, president of the Regional Pharmaceutical Services Committee of the CISSS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue and head of the Clinical Pharmacy Department. A meeting was subsequently held with the employee, the human resources department and the union representative.
All anonymous sources reported that the employee justified her actions by saying that everyone at the pharmacy did it.
He was then asked to return all the stolen medication, but there was no indication that further checks involving the authorities were carried out.
Still according to our sources, no sanctions were taken internally and his file remains unblemished. Although she only works occasionally at the Val-d’Or hospital center pharmacy, the employee would still benefit from full access to pharmacy files, as well as the possibility of doing telework. She also reportedly applied to return to work full-time in a more senior role.
Response from the CISSS de l’Abitbi-Témiscamingue
When we asked the region’s CISSS about the situation, they initially provided a brief response to our questions.
“For reasons of confidentiality, it is not possible to comment on specific cases. However, we confirm that the processes planned in relation to medication management are rigorously applied within the establishment,” we were told by email.
We then asked for clarification on the planned processes and the answer came two weeks later.
“In the case of drug theft, the procedure that is applied involves the collaboration of several departments of the organization to consider all aspects of the situation, namely human resources management, drug management, quality monitoring. and consideration of public health and legal obligations,” indicated the CISSS.
We have been assured that a “rigorous analysis of the situation” is being carried out with the aim of meeting the following objectives:
• Supervise and establish the investigation process in the event of a loss or theft of narcotics or any controlled substance;
• Document investigations and ensure follow-up while respecting the laws and standards in force;
• Provide guidance to managers regarding the loss or theft of narcotics or any controlled substance.
Despite these responses, our various sources cannot explain the lack of consequences for the person concerned. The only answer given to those who asked why the matter seemed to have been covered up was that the employee was doing her job well.
Recurrences
According to our anonymous sources, the employee had already received warnings for other misdeeds before the stolen drugs were discovered last year.
“I knew she had stolen medication in the past. For example, her kids had bronchitis or something and she decided to get a pump to treat them herself. At that time, she was told that she should not do that,” said one of the sources.
This source adds that she has also allegedly already falsified requests to have her blood taken without going through a health professional.
Another source said the employee received further warnings for repeatedly taking antibiotics. “She served herself as if she were at home,” said this contact.
Several other elements were revealed in the testimonies received but for reasons of confidentiality, we cannot integrate them into today’s article.
All of the anonymous sources we spoke with are concerned about this ongoing situation. They want the CISSS de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue to act accordingly, and with transparency, towards the employee who, despite several repeat offenses and warnings, would never have received real consequences for her alleged actions.
