Firm Adopts SARS Policy

TORONTO - March 31, 2003 - Amid increasing limits respecting access to clients in hospitals and nursing homes, Swadron Associates has established a policy with respect to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Members of the firm will continue to see clients, review records and attend hearings in hospitals and nursing homes where access is permitted. Where access is restricted, client meetings will be arranged by teleconference and records will be obtained through hospital health records departments. The firm will cooperate fully with the affected Boards (Consent and Capacity Board, Ontario Review Board) to ensure that hearings proceed in a timely and fair fashion.

The firm will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to carry out whatever services are necessary to protect the liberty interests of our clients. No firm members have recently visited Scarborough Grace or York Central Hospitals or the Hospital for Sick Children or are affected by quarantine orders.