EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada — Alberta Hospital Edmonton has added a higher security fence, as well as 20 additional security cameras to prevent psychiatric patients from leaving without permission.
The changes at the hospital are part of a new province-wide strategy to combat the problem of mental patients leaving institutions without authorization, the Edmonton Journal reports. As part of the plan, the hospital has altered a smoking policy where only patients with grounds privileges can go outside for a cigarette. Those without grounds privileges will be given nicotine substitutes.
Additionally, hospital personnel must document each time a patient leaves the premises without authorization. Authorities also plan to make more than two dozen additional changes at the facility.
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