Security review of Restigouche Hospital Centre underway

The Vitalité Health Network is reviewing security at the new Restigouche Hospital Centre this week.

The 140-bed psychiatric hospital may soon take on high-risk patients from the Shepody Healing Centre such as Gregory Despres.

Despres killed an elderly couple in Minto 10 years ago and he continues to be housed at the multi-level security facility in Dorchester after being found not criminally responsible for the killings due to mental illness.

On April 1, 2016, the province must take over responsibility for not criminally responsible patients from the federal government.

Vitalité president Gilles Lanteigne said the Restigouche facility was not designed with high-risk patients in mind.

"We have an expert coming in, someone who is familiar with these types of facilities and the requirements and specific standards that are needed," said Lanteigne.

"They'll come and they'll obviously meet the staff, and look at the facilities. They'll look at the different units and interrelation between these units and the rest of the hospital."

Lanteigne says they want to make sure there is adequate security for the safety of the patients, other patients and the staff.

The review results are expected in a couple of weeks, including recommendations on what needs to be done to meet requirements.

The future care of Despres was the focus of his mental health review last week in Moncton. The review board ruled Despres is to remain at the Dorchester facility for at least the next six to eight months, at which time the situation will be reviewed again.

Health department spokesman Bruce Macfarlane said last week the health department and other government departments are working with Correctional Services Canada collaboratively on "appropriate transition planning for the affected NCR patients, ensuring patients needs are met, while ensuring public and victim security and safety."