Violence reported at Victoria Hospital psych ward
ANECDOTAL reports about escalating violence in the psychiatric ward at Victoria Hospital have prompted the nurses union to ask for additional security. According to the Manitoba Nurses’ Union president Darlene Jackson, staff members have faced various violent episodes, including being kicked, punched, and spat on by patients. One nurse was even choked, leading to serious injuries.
The union is advocating for security guards to be stationed in the psych unit, improved management of violent patients, and designated safe spaces for staff and other patients during incidents. While specific statistics are not available, reports of violence in the psychiatric unit have been on the rise over the past year.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has implemented some safety measures, including increasing security presence, restricting access with swipe cards, and providing lockers for visitor belongings. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the safety of healthcare workers in the face of escalating violent incidents.
The union’s call for improved security comes in the wake of a grievance filed over safety concerns at HSC, where an arbitration hearing is ongoing. Nurses across the healthcare system are increasingly speaking out about feeling unsafe at work, highlighting a broader trend of violence against staff.
Jackson emphasized the need for a collective effort to address these safety concerns and ensure that violence is not tolerated in healthcare settings. The growing trend of violence against healthcare workers is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action to safeguard the well-being of staff and patients alike.
