A maximum security psychiatric hospital in Ontario is being criticized for recently installing drywall in patient rooms.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, or OPSEU, estimated that up to 50 rooms have already been damaged at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and called the hospital’s renovations “a colossal problem” according to the Toronto Sun.
Patients have destroyed the drywall and made weapons out of materials found inside, including wires from the ceiling they could use to hurt themselves or others.
OPSEU President Warren Thomas said staff members are “scared for their lives” and hopes the hospital will remove the drywall.
A spokesman for the hospital said staff and patient safety is a priority and the drywall situation is being evaluated.
The hospital put drywall over the traditional cinderblock walls in its new Atrium building to make the rooms look more inviting.
