A camera was found hidden in a shower stall at a staff gym inside the University of Alberta Hospital, leading to an arrest, according to an internal memo.
The notice, posted by management of The Pulse Generator at the University of Alberta Hospital Employee Fitness and Recreation Centre, said the camera was in place from Sunday, Nov. 27 after 5 p.m. until Monday, Nov. 28 at around 9 a.m., when it was discovered and removed.
In that 16-hour window, seven men were reportedly captured on the camera.
“Edmonton Police Service have identified and arrested the individual alleged to have placed the camera,” the memo said.
“AHS takes privacy very seriously,” a statement from Alberta Health Services spokesperson Kerry Williamson said.
“This alleged incident is distressing, and we encourage those feeling distress to reach out to employee & family assistance services, or other supports provided through professional colleges and unions.”
The memo said a full sweep of the Pulse Generator gym, and the U of A Hospital, was completed immediately following the discovery of the camera, but no further devices were found.
“Immediately upon being made aware of this issue, AHS Protective Services contacted the Edmonton Police Service to commence an investigation,” Williamson said, adding that AHS would not comment further as the matter was now under police investigation.
Pulse Generator operates employee fitness centres at the U of A, Grey Nuns and Misericordia hospitals. The memo said the police investigation indicated this was an isolated incident.
“Again, the individual alleged to have placed the cameras has been identified and arrested. This individual no longer has access to the Pulse Generator gym,” the memo said.
Global News reached out to Edmonton police for more information, but was told nothing would be provided until Monday.
A sign posted outside the gym said due to recent issued of non-members accessing the facility, all members now have to scan an access card or sign in with staff before entering the gym.