I agree as well...I went for a bike ride with my daughter and found numerous people all over the place smoking. I did have that weird uncomfortable feeling for sure. They should designate a are for all these smokers...one for staff and one for patients.
I have to agree. I meant to post about this ages ago when the no smoking policy first started. I went for a bike ride with a neighbour and was very intimidated by the number of people at the end of the path at Gordon and the marina parking lot. None of the people would move for us to pass, we pretty much at to get off our bikes and go around them all. There is always someone at the benches on Whitby Shores closest to the hospital and there are cigarette butts everywhere. They seem to have a lot of property over there, is there not a place that can be a designated smoking area? I agree with the no smoking policies but not when it's interfering with safety and enjoyment of our neighbourhood.
ya I dont go that way anymore...thought it was only me acting childish...about not feeling safe...obviously not!
You know, the Whitby Psych Hospital operates on it's own accord. They don't respect the citizens of our community. There had been many lapses in security where DANGEROUS offenders, yes offenders, had escaped or went missing. Some "patients" are actually being assessed for criminal court proceedings for various criminal acts, usually violent acts, that they have committed.
Fine. I can live with this treatment center as long as they respect our community.
Now they enacted a plan where there is to be no more smoking on their property. HELLO Where do you expect these people to smoke and as a result there are hords of potentially extremely violent people lingering around the beach area, paths and the walking trails.
Give me a break!
I would not let my family anywhere near that place. It's just not safe.
The town along with Durham regional Police had better sit down together with the Hospital Administration and come up with some sort of action plan that would keep out community safe before one of our children get's seriously hurt!
Hi everybody.
I am a bit concern about safety. I think that patients are missing from the Mental Hospital too often. Last Thursday night when I went to pick up my daughter from her shift at Tim Hortons, she was waiting for me behind the window and a bit scared. Police officers had been there asking the staff if they had seen somebody "a bit stranger than usual", a patient that didn't return to the mental hospital. Here is the link to the police website:
http://www.drps.ca/internet_explorer/wha...p?ID=11864
I wonder if the criteria used at the hospital to determine a person's danger is appropriate. I am not an expert, but if the police report says ..." He has a history of violence and substance abuse. If he is seen, citizens are asked to call 9-1-1 and are advised not to approach him..." is kind of obvious that this is a dangerous person.
Kids are used to play in the streets and bike around and I am afraid that we have a safety problem very close.
That article is absolute garbage!!! it irritates me to no end. Bsically WMHC doesnt want to deal with it because they want the "hospital" healthy atmosphere. But please come onto town ground and pollute the public air!!!??? How fair is that. The city needs to put their foot down and maybe make it law that there is no smoking on Town property?? I dont care what this lady says from WMHC....they are not being good neighbours. Maybe I should bring my kids over to her and let her explain why dangerous [sometimes] patients are blocking their way on the trails?? They mutter things that scare my kids. I understand one thing about what she said ...and that is "she cannot control where the patients smoke".....Then you know what?? If you arent in control then you arent doing your job...you are putting a community at risk...What a bozo this lady is.
I am sorry for ranting but we shouldnt have to worry about this. Maybe we as residents who do smoke can have a smoke session in their parking lot???LOL....I dont even smoke!!!!
i found this said by the president and CEO on the WMHC website.....very interesting
Ms. Raymond also took the opportunity to unveil WMHC’s new core values. “Excellence, innovation, safety, respect and community will be the core values underlying everything we do here at Whitby Mental Health Centre,”
I think I've said enough...but then again its never enough until the issue is fully addressed and the problems solved.
Here's the issue - WMHC has no designated smoking area on its property.
Solution - provide appropriate designated space on your property. Period. Not on the public thoroughfares but on the WMHC property where your staff and the existing clients can be properly served and the patients can all utilize the appropriate space. This avoids any potential mishaps or over burdening the existing staff who need a break and shouldn't be watching out for the patients when taking their break.
Welcome to the forum Chris Bovie. I know you have enough knowledge of Durham region due to your history in the media to deal with this in a well documented and systematic approach.
I don't leave garbage on your front lawn, please don't leave it on mine.
Thanks and welcome to the neighbourhood!
Good point,
You are ABSOLUTELY correct.
I would go further and say that could you please post the centres Security plan assumming you have one. What type of people are there? The potential risk to the community through Police evaluation.
The community has to be part of this.
We are the major stake holders in this as we have families here we worry about.
Until we see this, your comments are not welcome
Chris: Let's go back to the basics on this issue. What steps at WMHC are being made to address the off site smoking problems? Can a designated smoking area be established near the Parking Lot of the hospital or near to the property versus on the Gordon Street entry or the new parkette in Whitby Shores?