Canadian Military clinics 'dysfunctional'

Canadian Military clinics designed to help soldiers overcome severe psychological problems are themselves dysfunctional and need to be overhauled, says the ombudsman for National Defence in Canada, Andre Marin

Marin launched his investigation into the Halifax facility, which treats victims of post-traumatic stress disorder, shortly after a respected psychiatrist was fired in December 2001.

Dr. Diane McIntosh's 48 patients were suddenly left without care, with no immediate plan to find them another doctor.

And on June 2 this year -- just as the investigation into the McIntosh affair was ending -- clinic psychologist Hans Asche was fired, leaving his 17 patients in the lurch. About 10 of those patients complained to Marin's office.

Meanwhile, a psychiatrist at the Edmonton clinic, Dr. Edel Dromey, was fired in the spring of last year. Another caregiver, psychologist Rhonda Gibson, was also let go. In each case, patients dialed the toll-free complaint line to the ombudsman.

The fired staff all worked for Med-Emerg International Inc., an Ontario firm hired by the military in March 2001 to provide patient services at five such clinics, including facilities in Victoria, Ottawa and Quebec City. The three-year, $92-million contract ends March 31 but can be renewed.

Marin's investigation found that workplace problems existed before Med-Emerg's arrival, but soon worsened.