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Flannery drowning should be probedI feel compelled to write and urge the province to hold an inquiry into all aspects of the care, treatment, and death of a patient presumed to Ik* Keith Herbert Flannery.A lxdy was found in the river 11 days after Mr. Flannery failed to return to the Brandon Mental Health Centre. Mr. Flannery, according to media reports at the time, was never reported missing by the health centre, and it was only after the body was found that BMHC admitted to having a patient unaccounted for.In fact, according to an article in the Brandon Sun of Aug. 21. the RCMP and BMHC both have yet to officially confirm the identity.It's frightening; not because someone who is supposedly dangerous escapes from BMHC, as Aid. Ross Martin puts it. and not localise Mr Flannery was known to slip into a psychotic state’ when not under medication, as Aid. Kell eh er argues.LETTERSBut frightening because 1 suspect ‘we’, not Mr. Flannery, are the dangerous ones. We re missing the point entirely. The way to protect society is through education and treatment.If a man. presumably seriously ill and presumably under the care and treatment of a doctor in a hospital (of any kind) is missing, someone should bo concerned. We should Ik* concerned.I’m fearful and a little ashamedbecause we, as a society, continually fail to realize that good mental health, like good physical health, requires proper nutrition and exercise. even regular check-ups.I cannot believe that someone becomes suddenly ‘psychotic’ or ‘imbalanced’. People become ill, and if their illness is not recognized by family and friends or by the doctor, their condition may deteriorate. If no treatment is re-cieved, or improper treatment is received, serious results are sure to follow. All illnesses whether physical or mental have symptoms; we must lK*gin to recognize them and realize that our condition is always in a constant state of flux.There is no way to protect society adequately from the Clifford Olsens amongst us. Some may be lieyond help, but we must surely try.1 fear Mr. Flannery may have walked into the river because he had nowhere else to go. I respect his courage and his judgement. I believe it shows the weaknesses or inadequate treatment received. I believe that we have failed him. His body was found July 15 and we still don't know what to do. Can no one make an official positive identification'.'We owe him that much respect at least and at the same time identify our failure as a society. We need to check up on ourselves, realizing or shortcomings, but at least accepting our responsibilities for ourselves and for those who may be unable to — an inquiry will help to do this.1)01 (il.AS BROI IM) BrandonLetters' policyThe Sun welcomes the views of readers in the letters column All letters must he signed Addresses and telephone numbers should tie included to verify the authenticity of the writer Letters will he edited for length, liliel and good taste Please keep them brief and to a subject of general interest^n\/P rinu/nfnu/n Rrnnrlon nnrlcinn
Newspaper Details
Brandon Sun
Brandon, Manitoba, CA
Thu, Aug 30, 1984
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Tyler M.
NA, NA 19 Feb 2025
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