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Jun 19, 2020 7:26 PM -

B.C. to investigate allegations of racism in hospitals

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File image of B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix/ The Canadian Press

Health Minister Adrian Dix says he was told last night about what he says is an "unacceptable and racist" game played by health care workers in at least one emergency room in B.C.

Dix isn't identifying the ER because he says it's still unknown if the alleged game occurred in more than one hospital but he says it involved guessing the blood alcohol level of patients, especially Indigenous patients.

Dix says lawyer and B.C.'s former Children and Youth representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond has agreed to investigate and make recommendations.

He says the allegations are "beyond disappointing" and the investigation will likely uncover similar problems, but he says the fight against racism must continue because it will ensure B.C. is on the path to cultural safety.

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