Part 1 is out on April 23 2026 here:
The story of Camelott Hamblett and why he’s spent two decades locked in a room alone at this Ontario psychiatric hospital
Hamblett may be the one Ontarian who’s spent the most time in psychiatric seclusion. In a four-part series, the Star investigates who’s responsible.
Part 2 is out on April 24, 2026 here:
Why this Ontario psychiatric hospital’s use of long-term isolation is being called ‘abusive’ — ‘The likes of which I have never seen’
“No civil or forensic mental health facility in the U.S. uses seclusion/restraint like Waypoint … It is completely inconsistent with recovery.”
Part 3 is out on April 25, 2026 here
This expert panel had the power to challenge Camelott Hamblett’s 20 years in isolation inside an Ontario hospital. Why didn’t it?
The Ontario Review Board had a duty to question the living conditions of Camelott Hamblett and recommend alternatives. Year after year, the board said almost nothing.
Part 4 is out on April 28, 2026 here:
Their son has been ‘caged’ in this Ontario psychiatric hospital for nearly five years. Why public ‘shock and horror’ may mean new hope
Andrew Azevedo’s case may have new hope amid Star investigation into the use of long-term seclusion at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.
FOLLOW-UP PIECE OUT ON APRIL 29 2026 here:
Star investigation into ‘egregious’ use of seclusion prompts calls for independent review of Ontario mental health system
Leading experts have described Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care’s practice of isolating patients as “abusive,” “egregious,” and “grossly in excess” of other facilities.
FOLLOW-UP PIECE OUT ON APRIL 30 2026 here:
Ontario conducting secret review of forensic mental health system amid fallout over long-term isolation. Participants asked to sign NDA
The review comes amid the Star’s ongoing investigation into how patients are being locked up alone for years at a time at Ontario’s only high-secure forensic facility.
FOLLOW-UP PIECE OUT ON MAY 4 2026 here:
This Ontario psychiatric hospital locks some patients up alone for years at a time. Why Waypoint’s ‘abusive’ use of seclusion doesn’t happen in the U.S.
“I can’t even fathom a case where someone can justify or make a request to keep someone in seclusion for years,” says U.S. psychologist Dr. Pierluigi Mancini.
FOLLOW-UP PIECE OUT ON MAY 19 2026
Your questions answered: Inside the hospital isolation scandal
After the Star exposed years-long patient isolation at Waypoint psychiatric hospital, readers demanded answers. Reporter Jacques Gallant tackles your questions on the lack of government oversight, alternatives to seclusion, and the Ministry of Health’s silence on the topic.
FOLLOW-UP PIECE OUT ON MAY 28 2026
Ontario hospital CEO says she’s adopted the best strategies to end years-long patient isolation. That’s clearly not true, the strategies’ creators say
The authors of the “six core strategies” say Dr. Nadiya Sunderji’s refusal to involve herself in Waypoint’s “highly unusual” use of psychiatric seclusion is an “abrogation of duty.”
OPINION PIECE BY A FAMILY PHYSICIAN JUNE 4 2026
Opinion | There is no excuse for putting a patient in seclusion for 20 years
June 4, 2026
Iris Gorfinkel is a family physician and clinical researcher in Toronto.
Read more from the 20 Years in Isolation series
- Part 1: The story of Camelott Hamblett and why he’s spent two decades locked in a room alone at this Ontario psychiatric hospital
- Part 2:Why this Ontario psychiatric hospital’s use of long-term isolation is being called ‘abusive’ — ‘The likes of which I have never seen’
- Part 3:This expert panel had the power to challenge Camelott Hamblett’s 20 years in isolation inside an Ontario hospital. Why didn’t it?
- Part 4:Their son has been ‘caged’ in this Ontario psychiatric hospital for nearly five years. Why public ‘shock and horror’ may mean new hope
- Some of the Follow-up Pieces
- Aug 26 2026: He was locked up — alone — for years. Now the hospital’s use of isolation has been deemed akin to ‘torture’
- Aug 27 2026: The Star exposed his five years in isolation at this Ontario psychiatric hospital. He’s suddenly set to be released from seclusion
- Aug. 28: The Star exposed his five years in isolation at this Ontario psychiatric hospital. He’s suddenly set to be released from seclusion
- Aug. 31: He warned Doug Ford’s government this hospital locks people in ‘horrific’ isolation. The province called one hospital exec — then did nothing
- Sept. 5: Her son was ‘caged’ for 5 years. Video of his life in isolation at this Ontario hospital has left her ‘absolutely, completely horrified’
- Your questions answered: Inside the 20 Years in Isolation series
A further follow-up piece by Jacques Gallant appeared in the Star on August 26, 2026
Locked up. Alone. For years. Ontario hospital’s use of isolation akin to ‘torture,’ independent review finds
The first detailed look inside Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care since Star investigation finds the hospital is violating its own policy.
And number perhaps 11 (?) in the series now regarding the hearing of the ORB regarding Andrew Azevedo appeared on August 27, 2026
The Star exposed his five years in isolation at this Ontario psychiatric hospital. He’s suddenly set to be released from seclusion
Andrew Azevedo’s doctor at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care attributes his improvement to a change in medication — not the public attention.
Follow Up Piece #12 – August 31 2026
He warned Doug Ford’s government this hospital locks people in ‘horrific’ isolation. The province called one hospital exec — then did nothing
Psychiatrist Dr. John Bradford warned the province in 2018 about “horrific conditions” at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.
Follow Up Piece #13 – September 5, 2026
Her son was ‘caged’ for 5 years. Video of his life in isolation at this Ontario hospital has left her ‘absolutely, completely horrified’
Jake Gordon now slowly being released from seclusion at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. His mom credits the Star’s ongoing investigation for the change.
Follow Up Piece #14 – September 12, 2026
Hospital ordered to take action on seclusion
Review board calls for measures to reduce patient’s time in isolation
Available Online on Sept 14, 2026
The Star profiled Andrew Azevedo’s five years in isolation. Now his Ontario hospital has been ordered to take action
The Ontario Review Board has ordered Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to implement measures “recognizing the harm done by seclusion.”
AND IN OTHER NEWS
Solitary crosses constitutional line in prisons. Why not in hospitals?
By John L. Hill · Listen to article
Law360 Canada (September 2, 2026, 10:47 AM EDT)
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