A Fernie hospital employee has been charged with theft after stealing drugs from the Elk Valley Hospital.
“In late January, the Elk Valley Hospital noticed a hydromorphone container had been tampered with,” said Sgt. Dave Dubnyk of the Elk Valley RCMP. “The hospital then began conducting an internal investigation.
“After the individual heard about the investigation, they came forward admitting they’d stolen the drugs on more than one occasion.”
The RCMP became involved in the investigation after the individual came forward.
Dubnyk said that only a small amount of the narcotic had been stolen and that it is believed it was used for personal use.
The individual, who was not identified by police, was released by the RCMP on a promise to appear, and is scheduled to appear in court in Fernie on both charges of theft under $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance.
Hydromorphone, which is known by trade names such as Palladone and Dilaudid, is derived from morphine and is classified as a narcotic. It is used to treat nerve pain.