Steven Odber v. Sault Area Hospital, 2014 HRTO 285

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

BETWEEN:

Steven Odber Applicant

-and-

Sault Area Hospital Respondent

DECISION

Adjudicator: Leslie Reaume Date: March 4, 2014 Citation: 2014 HRTO 285 Indexed as: Odber v. Sault Area Hospital

1The parties participated in a mediation by teleconference on January 17, 2014, pursuant to the Tribunal’s mediation/adjudication process. During the mediation, the parties entered into an agreement which was subsequently signed by the applicant on January 24, 2014 and the respondent on January 27, 2014. The parties filed a form 25 requesting that the Tribunal issue an Order under s. 45.9 (2) of the Code. The parties have agreed that this Decision incorporates the terms of settlement and disposes of all other claims asserted or that could have been asserted in the Application.

2Pursuant to s. 45.9 (2) and on the joint request of the parties, the Tribunal makes the following Final Decision in this Application:

a. The respondent will add a second computer to the activity room for use by psychiatric patients;

b. The two computers will be available daily for two 30-minute supervised periods for psychiatric patients with clinical approval;

c. During those periods, a patient may use their own laptop, wireless headsets and internet mobile “sticks”, in the activity room, subject to the capacity of the room, but they are not permitted to use any cords including power cords and head phones or ear buds. Photographs, video and audio recordings will not be permitted.

d. In six months, the respondent will re-evaluate and consider increasing computer services if there is sufficient demand. The respondent will also consider increasing the time periods when computers are available from 30 to 60 minutes if staffing capacity exists.

e. If a patient receives an off-unit pass, they may take their laptop with them for use off-unit during the period of their pass. If this is the case, the time for the off-unit pass will begin to run from the time that the laptop is retrieved.

f. If a patient does not have their own laptop, but wishes to use a computer while they are on a pass, they may have access to the library computer.

3The Tribunal’s file shall be closed.