Fraser Health launches review after patient found dead after leaving Royal Columbian Hospital

Summary

Forty-two-year old Gavin Deloes was last seen near Royal Columbian Hospital on the morning of May 24

After a days-long search, Deoes' body was found in Burnaby Thursday

The health authority is reviewing the case to make sure there were no breaches of hospital process

NEW WESTMINISTER (NEWS 1130) — A review is underway to determine if anything could have been done to prevent the death of a man found dead in Burnaby who was last seen leaving Royal Columbian hospital.

Forty-two-year old Gavin Deloes was last seen near the hospital on the morning of May 24, and the New Westminster Police Department appealed for help finding him soon after.

Search and rescue crews and family members began searching the area near Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby after witnesses reported seeing Deloes in that area.

Deloes’ belongings –including the hospital gown he was last seen wearing– were found Wednesday night.

Police said Thursday no foul play is suspected in Deloes’ death.

Fraser Health CEO, Dr. Victoria Lee, says the health authority is taking the matter very seriously, and reviewing the case.

“Royal Columbian Hospital will review internal processes to ensure that we’re adhering to all the usual guidelines. I understand from the patient’s family, they’re concerned about the care in terms of how the patient’s family was notified or not notified,” Lee explained, adding in general terms, that informing the family that someone has left is not standard protocol for adult patients.

“The care team at RCH are also grieving from what they’ve learned. The care team has been quite impacted by the recent findings and saddened by the fact that the patient has been found deceased. Our site’s medical director has also reached out to the patient’s family.”

Family members have reported Deloes may have been disoriented after suffering a possible head injury in a car crash.

With files from Lisa Steacy