'What are they hiding?': Okanagan mom denied son’s medical records after his suicide
Angelina Stamper seeks answers about her son Sheldon's mental health treatment following his suicide, highlighting struggles with accessing his medical records.
Angelina Stamper, a mother from Osoyoos, British Columbia, is grappling with the tragic suicide of her 28-year-old son, Sheldon. Nearly a year after his death, she is still searching for clarity about his psychiatric care and the circumstances leading up to his fatal decision. In light of Sheldon's mental health struggles and diagnosis of schizophrenia, Angelina feels a desperate need for answers, particularly concerning why she has been denied access to her son's medical records, a situation she describes as obstructive and frustrating.
Sheldon had previously attempted suicide multiple times before being admitted for involuntary psychiatric care at Chilliwack General Hospital in September 2024. Angelina reflects on her son's experiences in the hospital, expressing concern over the treatment he received, which she believes was insufficient given his mental health history. The denial of his medical records has only compounded her grief, as she seeks to understand the quality and nature of the care he was provided during this critical period. This lack of information raises questions about patient rights and transparency in mental health care.
The story of Angelina and Sheldon brings to light critical issues surrounding mental health treatment, care quality, and family access to medical records following a tragedy. The ongoing struggle for families like Angelina's emphasizes the need for reforms in mental health policies to ensure better support systems that prioritize both patient care and family involvement in the treatment process. Sheldon's case also shines a light on the importance of mental health awareness and the support available to individuals grappling with severe mental health issues, as well as the systemic barriers that families face in seeking answers and accountability after the loss of a loved one.