Vancouver Island parents left grieving the death of their teen son say his unintentional overdose was one following years of being prescribed opioids while recovering from major surgeries.
Elliot Eurchuk, 16, died at his Oak Bay home Friday. His parents, Rachel Staples and Brock Eurchuk, believe he took street drugs to help him sleep.
In a post to social media, Staples said her sonB次元官网网址檚 death has come after B次元官网网址渁 very difficult past two years.B次元官网网址�
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Staples said that despite her and her husbandB次元官网网址檚 requests to doctors for alternative pain remedies, Elliot was prescribed opioids for four major surgeries in 2017, including two for a fractured jaw and two shoulder reconstructions B次元官网网址� all within four months time.
B次元官网网址淓lliot, being 16, was given full autonomy by the Health Care system to make his treatment decisions while specifically having my Husband and I excluded from this information B次元官网网址� this policy needs to be changed,B次元官网网址� Staples said.
B次元官网网址淧arents need a say in their childB次元官网网址檚 health care.B次元官网网址�
In 2016, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. rolled out new mandatory standards for prescribing opioids and other addictive drugs, replacing guidelines that acted more like recommendations for prescribing pain medications.
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Doctors who donB次元官网网址檛 follow the guidelines can now face complaint hearings and disciplinary actions like fines and licence suspensions if reported to the college.
Doctors in B.C. also have access to a real-time database called PharmaNet, which tracks dispensed prescriptions in one central data system.
Black Press Media has put a request for comment into the college and Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Teen remembered for love of sports, humour
Staples said her son had a sharp wit, and humour far beyond his age.
She said he loved all kinds of sports from rugby to soccer to hiking, and was an avid reader.
B次元官网网址淗e greatly valued his friendships and approached friends with sincere consideration and genuine kindness,B次元官网网址� she said.
Elliot had hopes of pursuing a career in medicine, with a love for chemistry.
B次元官网网址淔or those who really knew Elliot, you knew he would give the shirt off his back to help you,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲e will all miss quirky, funny sporty Elliot.B次元官网网址�
Resources are available for those affected by the trauma.
Kids Help Phone offers 24/7 counselling online at or by phone 1-800-668-6868.
The 24-hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line is an Island Health contracted service offers text 250-800-3806, online chat and phone services 1-888-494-3888.
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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