Insufficient evidence to proceed with drug theft charges at Janeway Children’s Hospital

Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say they have completed their investigation into a break-in at a children’s hospital in the capital city and the theft of an undisclosed amount of narcotics.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed to CBC News that police were called to the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center around 7 a.m. on June 30.

Const. James Cadigan said the break-in took place at a pharmaceutical cabinet which was storing narcotics. He said he could not confirm whether more than one cabinet was targeted, and did not provide details about the quantity of drugs taken.

The RNC said its investigation has now concluded and there is not enough evidence to pursue charges.

Records obtained by CBC News through access to information show this is not the only time law enforcement has been involved when medications went missing from a health facility in the province.

And Janeway narcotics are far from the only drugs on the list missing from health care providing institutions, including long-term care and correctional centers.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services did not inform the public about the Janeway theft.

However, in an email sent to staff on July 7 and obtained by CBC News, hospital management acknowledged there were concerns about safety and security.

“We understand your concerns regarding recent events and the ongoing investigation within the building,” an email from Janeway management said.

“Please know that we take your concerns regarding these issues very seriously.”

Security has been beefed up, the email said, adding “surveillance measures have been increased at multiple locations.”

The email did not specify details of those incidents and investigations.

How often do medicines go missing?

CBC News requested data through access to information on the number of controlled drug harms reported in health facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador from 2020 to mid-August of this year.

The data shows that there have been at least 98 cases of medication disappearance, although in some cases multiple medications were reported missing on the same date at the same facility.

In several cases, there were reports of the pill or patch being missing. The highest number of reports were made in 2023.

Two parts of the document have been redacted, citing claims it could interfere with or harm a law enforcement case.

NLHS CEO Pat Parfrey declined a CBC News interview request on this topic.

However, in an emailed response to questions, NLHS spokesperson Adam Randall said he was “unable” to provide details on that second incident of possible police involvement.

CBC News also sought information about which cases involved theft as opposed to human error, but without success.

“We are unable to provide further details regarding the alleged harm caused by the drugs,” Randall said.

“Where appropriate, cases are handed over to the police for investigation.”

Lorazepam and morphine are among the most commonly missing medications. There have also been numerous reports of dangerous and addictive painkillers such as fentanyl and hydromorphone being unaccounted for.

In March 2021, 100 lorazepam tablets were reported missing from an East Waterford hospital. After seven months, the same amount Reported to have been taken from Carbonear General Hospital.

RCMP said lorazepam – commonly known by its brand name Ativan – fetches about $5 a pill on the street in the province. The street value of fentanyl is very high, ranging from $60 to $500.

Rita DhamiChief Pharmacy Officer of Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems PharmacySaid any theft or loss of drugs – of any amount – is a matter of concern.

“We want to ensure that hospitals do not become a source of harm to the larger opioid crisis we face.” Dhami Said in a recent interview.

“Even with policies and procedures, we recognize there may be shortcomings… there is no single solution.”

in 2019 Society Issued a number of guidelines for hospitals to follow, including safe storage, access to controlled medicines, monitoring usage and audits and reporting when medicines are lost.

This requires a diversion prevention specialist and committee to lead these efforts in each hospital.

According to Randall, the provincial health authority has no dedicated experts or established committee that focuses solely on diversion.

Randall indicated that many Programs within the health authority work together to prevent drug misuse and theft.

“NL Health Services acknowledges risk of mediration theft (or drug diversion),“ICH is a safety concern in all health care settings and there are policies and procedures in place to prevent, identify, analyze and learn from such incidents,” Randall said.

Dhami Said his organization’s guidelines are just that – guidelines.

“they are“Enforcement is voluntary, but it is widely recognized that these represent a national standard of best practices,” she said.

Randall said N.L.H.S. Policies and procedures are in place that comply with federal and provincial regulatory requirements regarding the dispensing of narcotics and controlled substances.

“NL Health Services follows recognized industry safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements to ensure the safe storage of all medications,” Randall said.

“Safety measures and best practices are constantly reviewed and implemented to reduce the risk of drug abuse.”

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