Doctors on Vancouver Island say they're setting up unsanctioned overdose prevention sites on the grounds of two hospitals this week because the B.C. government hasn't lived up to its promise to set aside space for the sites.

An attempt by doctors to set up overdose prevention sites on hospital property in Nanaimo and Victoria were shutdown Monday by the Island health authority, forcing the volunteers to move their operations across the street.

Physicians and volunteers say they plan to run the sites for at least the first three days of this week to protest inaction on harm reduction services

A group of physicians are setting up unofficial overdose prevention sites outside two Vancouver Island hospitals Monday, aiming to help people struggling with addiction – while also sending a message to the government.