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Hospital security measures increased
Guards can now restrain violent patients at Stanton; MLA says not enough

Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 25, 2015

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Security guards at Stanton Territorial Hospital can now physically intervene in violent situations, following months of debate on the subject.

"A guard will assist in patient restraint and surveillance in the emergency department under the direction of a charge nurse and within limits of the (non-violent crisis intervention training)," said Health Minister Glen Abernethy at the legislative assembly Monday.

"Stanton and the security contractor are exploring how training for security guards can be improved to help them respond to a situation where an individual becomes aggressive, violent or difficult to manage."

This comes on the heels of security concerns at the hospital which began with a violent incident in November, revealing both a trend of violence and an inability of security staff to touch unruly patients.

Sheila Laity, a nurse practitioner at the hospital and Union of Northern Workers local president, said there has been some clarification on whether security guards could intervene. Previously the message to staff was that security guards could not use physical restraint, she said.

"We've got that straightened out now in that they can intervene," said Laity.

"But there was that time in the middle where we didn't know who to trust."

Late last year, there was some confusion over whether legislation, or a lack of legislation, prevented guards from stepping in. It was then deemed a philosophical, rather than a legislative, issue by Abernethy last month.

"The Criminal Code of Canada provides for individuals to exercise a reasonable amount of force to ensure their safety and security and that of their property," said Abernethy this week.

"This allows Stanton to expand the scope of physical intervention provided by its security contractor within existing legislative framework."

But Weledeh MLA Bob Bromley suggests non-violent crisis intervention - the philosophy of the hospital as touted by Abernethy - was not an adequate response for the protection of staff.

"Threats to Stanton Territorial staff are real, immediate and quantified ... the time for study is over," said Bromley.

"Staff are being physically and mentally harmed and there are serious vulnerabilities with potential for much greater harm. Action is clearly needed now."

A 2011 review of procedures following an incident where a patient, Allisdair Leishman, entered the hospital kitchen and severely injured himself with a knife, offered several recommendations, which Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro said were never put into action.

"There have been some changes made, from what I understand but I don't believe that they go far enough," said Bisaro.

"There needs to be an opportunity for staff to feel safe."

The 2011 review recommended legislation be written to allow for special constables with extended powers in patient care. After investigation, Abernethy said it was determined that this was not necessary.

In a motion at the legislature, Bromley suggested that the appropriate way for hospital staff to respond to violent incidents be clarified - particularly when physical restraint is used. A security review of facilities across the territory, the motion suggested, should be reported back to the house within 120 days.

He also urged that security guards who are trained in physical restraint and non-violent crisis intervention be hired on as full-time GNWT employees - allowing for consistency and shared knowledge among security staff.

Bromley's motion was seconded by Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya, with all regular MLAs in attendance rising in support. The motion passed, with cabinet abstaining from the vote, and Abernethy said he would report back within 120 days.

As of Monday, a guard with a higher level of training was stationed in the emergency room, although Abernethy said this was a temporary solution until all guards receive increased training.

"Staff were told they are allowed to ask security staff to assist them and they can direct them within the scope of their training," said Laity.

"We haven't actually been given particulars on what the scope of their enhanced training is."

But Laity said there is a general sense of optimism that security at the hospital will improve.

Abernethy said end-goals are similar across the board.

"We want the same thing at the end of the day," he said. "We want safe, secure facilities where a patient can receive the best care and our staff are safe."

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