UPDATE: AUGUST 21, 2023

ANDREW WAS DISCHARGED AUGUST, 21, 2023 AROUND 1:00 P.M. FROM ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL. WE HAD NO CALL FROM THE PSYCHIATRIST, DR. MATTHEW HAALAND.  MY HUSBAND AND I ARE IN TOTAL SHOCK!

I PHONED THE HOSPITAL SEVERAL TIMES TO SEE IF ANDREW WAS ASSESSED.  THE NURSE GAVE ME THE HEARTBREAKING NEWS THE LAST TIME I CALLED.

ANDREW'S PSYCHIATRIST CONTACTED THE HOSPITAL AND I ENDEAVOURED TO REACH THE SOCIAL WORKER.  IT WAS A VERY FRUSTRATING AND DISCOURAGING DAY!

Andrew's fate was determined today.  The psychiatrist had two options.  The first was to cooperate with Andrew's psychiatrist and support a medical transfer.  The second was to discharge Andrew back on the streets of Toronto where he may perish this winter. The doctor chose to do the latter.  I am guessing that the doctor did not believe that Andrew was a harm to himself or others.  Everyone following Andrew's journey knows that this is not the truth.

I have received countless messages today with disgust, anger and disbelief.  There are plans for a rally.

Andrew was an Assistant Bank Manager with the dream of becoming the Bank Manager. He would have been the Bank Manager now had his illness not taken over his life five years ago.  Andrew did not choose this homeless lifestyle.

Andrew had a wife, two children ages 5 and 8 and a home on P.E.I. Andrew was a family man much loved by bank staff, church family, as well as baseball and bowling teammates.

I do have the support of Andrew's psychiatrist on P.E.I., Ontario and P.E.I. politicians, as well as 5835 people who have signed the PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION.  This clearly indicates the caring and compassion that Ontario and Prince Edward Island residents are showing our son. I believe we can reach 6000 signatures.  Here is the link: https://chng.it/TMKMZfHH2p

The Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, and Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Michael Tibollo, can not ignore this petition! Please send e-mails sylvia.jones@ontario.ca and michael.tibollo@ontario.ca.  The Ministers were not available August 21, 2023 as they were attending a Mayor's Meeting.

Members of TEAM have contacted the Ontario Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo.

There is a provision under the Mental Health Act whereby the Minister of Health can issue an order to have Andrew medically transferred home to P.E.I.

I think Andrew's PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION with 5835 signatures will have an impact on the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. 

The Toronto media is taking great interest in Andrew's story. A blog was written by Marvin Ross entitled, WHY ONTARIO'S MENTAL HEALTH IS DEFICIENT - THE TALE OF A HOMELESS MAN WHO SHOULDN'T BE HOMELESS. https://dawsonross.wordpress.com/

The Globe and Mail will contact me tomorrow.  The Editor has advised that Andrew's gut wrenching story will be published this week.  It will contain the sad details of the discharge today.