by Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 06/98) - A jury found that Andrew MacDonald's suicide in Fort Smith would have been less likely had RCMP detachment cells been upgraded to eliminate hanging points and audio/video equipment been installed.

The recommendation to have these measures undertaken was one of nine specified by six jurors in a coroner's inquest held Monday and Tuesday in Fort Smith.

MacDonald hanged himself on Sept. 29, 1996, while being held in RCMP cells for being drunk in a public place. He was found hanging from his T-shirt from the cell door a few hours after being detained. He had been transferred to the holding cells from the Fort Smith Health Centre.

Among the other jury recommendations were:

• Mandatory consultation, including written communication, between medical staff and RCMP upon transfer of patient/inmate from one facility to another

• Revise the C-13 intake form to include a check box to be completed by medical staff indicating "observation status."

  A check would indicate that constant guard is required.

• RCMP should perform random physical checks of cells.

• The Fort Smith Health Centre should provide a secure observation room for medical detoxification.

• The GNWT should provide adequate funds for development and implementation of long-term mental health services in support of the Fort Smith health centre.