An internal memo obtained by Global News shows the WRHA is trying to beef up security at Health Sciences Centre, but there’s still confusion over what security staff in the emergency room are allowed to do.
Global News spoke to a former HSC security guard Kevin Donald earlier this month who was on the job at HSC for nearly three decades. He said there’s been a shocking rise in violence and confrontations in the ER and HSC in recent years, calling the emergency ward “a war zone.”
The Manitoba Government Employees Union, which represents security guards, said guards at HSC don’t have any special arresting powers while Manitoba’s Health Minister Cameron Friesen insisted guards can get involved to quell violent patients.
“All security officers in these facilities have the ability and are licensed to intervene and make that intervention,” Friesen said.
A internal memo sent on Monday by HSC Director of Security Services Norman Schatz doesn’t appear to help clear up the confusion. It highlights the fact that the hospital was bringing in an extra Garda guard to the entrance of the emergency room.
It gives seemingly conflicting messaging for what that guard is allowed to do.
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MGEU said the government continues “to miss the point.”
“The issue is these security officers need an elevated legal authority in order to do their jobs and uphold safety. Whether that’s through peace officer status, special constable status or something entirely new – they need to figure that out and they need to act now. This issue needs serious attention – and we certainly aren’t getting that,” said Jodee Mason, the union’s executive liaison.
“This is going to be disruptive to the workforce and these new guards will be unfamiliar and, unlike HSC officers, will not recognize repeat violent visitors or patients when they walk through the door.
“As well, they won’t be carrying a radio nor will they get the same level of training that HSC officers currently receive.”
Lori Lamont of the WRHA told 680 CJOB Wednesday evening that the addition of an additional security guard will free up the existing four emergency room guards.
“We are very concerned about the safety of our staff and their workplace, and importantly, the place where people come for care,” she said. “We’ve been reviewing security both in terms of an initial step to look at particular areas of concern, also looking at it more broadly.
“That (additional) security guard’s role will really be one of traffic control – to greet people when they come to the department, ask if they’re there for care, and direct them to where they need to go. That frees up the normal four officers to be located more so in the department where people are receiving care.”
Lamont said the security guards at HSC have the training and legal ability to restrain an individual if they post a risk to themselves or others, and that after seeing what impact an additional guard has, HSC may take other steps.
“We recognize that more may need to be done, but we have to make sure we have a plan and make sure that plan can be effective in addressing the concerns where they are,” she said.
The WHRA says it’s currently looking at all options, including the potential for a Winnipeg Police Service member to stay at the hospital.
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