Misplaced enthusiasm with neglect of Human Rights ‐ Beneficence is not enough

Abstract

Background

Oak Ridge, a unit for “criminally insane” male patients at Penetanguishene in Ontario, Canada opened in1965 and provided an experimental system of treatment whereby patients looked after other in a strictly controlled and harsh environment. It closed in 1983.

Aims

This article draws attention to the unethical treatments used.

Method

Some of the treatments are described, as is, briefly, the recent civil lawsuit in Ontario which concerned 28 ex-patients in a class action suit against the province and the two doctors overseeing the experimental project.

Result

The judge severely criticised the experimental treatment and awarded damages to all of the 28 plaintiffs.

Conclusion

The vivid story leads to a number of important principles which are enumerated at the head of the article.