A family on Newfoundland’s Baie Verte Peninsula wants answers and accountability for what occurred to their liked one in hospital, after Central Health instructed the family somebody on workers took footage of his genitals.
Rick Barker, 64, has Huntington’s illness, and his situation now requires 24-hour care in a long-term care facility — in Barker’s case, the long-term care unit on the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre in Baie Verte.
Bernice Barker stated her son acquired a name from the regional well being authority in mid-September informing the family that photos had been taken of Rick Barker’s genitals and that rapid motion had been taken.
But she stated Central Health has been reluctant to share any particulars about what that motion was past the truth that her husband is protected and that he suffered no bodily hurt.
“The solely phrase for that is legal, and sick. In my thoughts, it is sick,” stated Barker. “Charges ought to be laid, and I’m hoping they are going to be laid as a result of I’m not stopping till I’ve justice for my husband.”
Family man struck down
Until six years in the past, Rick Barker was residing at dwelling and having fun with life with his spouse and family.
Bernice Barker described her husband as “probably the most form, loving human being that God may have ever created, an incredible husband and father and grandfather.”
But the development of Huntington’s illness — an inherited, degenerative mind dysfunction — meant that he had to be moved into long-term care. It was a tough blow to him and his family, in accordance with his spouse.
But she says by no means would they’ve imagined what was to return, together with her susceptible and helpless husband being degraded by somebody on workers taking photos of his genitals.
“He’s in the late phases of Huntington’s, unaware of what is going on on round him,” stated Barker. “To have anyone there that is incapacitated, and to have that picture in your thoughts of anyone standing there with a digital camera, making mild of his situation when he has no concept what’s taking place to him, it is brutal.”
Seeking answers
Barker stated the family has extra questions than answers about who took the photos, the place the photos had been shared, and what motion has been taken towards the workers members accountable.
“I’m hoping past hope that the folks which are on the forefront of this have been dismissed from their jobs. I definitely hope none of these accused or folks concerned are wherever close to my husband,” she stated.
Barker stated she’s additionally involved about whether or not the photos will resurface someplace.
“Most definitely I’m involved the place these photos have ended up. With social media in the present day, there’s so many shops for these things,” she stated. “Who is aware of the place this will likely have ended up?”
RCMP investigating
Barker wants accountability and justice for her husband, and she or he stated she is going to proceed to struggle on his behalf.
“I would be the voice for my husband, as a result of that is improper on all ranges,” stated Barker.
The RCMP have confirmed to CBC that it’s investigating whether or not legal act has occurred. At this time, the RCMP say it’s conscious of one photograph.
On Thursday, CBC requested Central Health for a response to the Barker family’s considerations. The well being authority says it can have a response as quickly as it may.
Read extra from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador