'It’s not part of the job': ER violence on the rise in P.E.I.
Two violent incidents in Prince Edward Island are just an example of the danger health-care workers face in crowded emergency rooms.
One P.E.I. ER physician says it’s a national trend with reports of violence increasing by 70 per cent over the last decade
“I’ve been assaulted. I’ve seen our nurses assaulted,” said Dr. Trevor Jain, a spokesman with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP). “In my emergency department, recently, we’ve had a code silver, with extreme violence in the emergency department.”
Police say a man threw chairs and threatened people with a pencil at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital emergency room last week.
Officers used a Taser to subdue the man.
Health Minister Mark McLane was questioned shortly after it happened
“We have invested in security in order to protect our workers. We understand they’re under some significant challenges in all of our facilities,” he said. “It’s important we protect them as much as we can.”
Health PEI says they met with staff immediately after the incident and security protocols aren't being changed.
A patient at the new mental health ER is accused of assaulting a pair of nurses last month. Their union says they’re looking for answers.
“PEINU has requested the latest risk assessment results for the QEH Emergency Department,” said Barbara Brookins, president of the Prince Edward Island Nurses Union. “As of now, we have not received this crucial information.
Health PEI says they’re in regular discussions with unions about any incident involving violence and safety and the safety of staff is vitally important.
Dr. Jain said doctors aren’t supported when they face violence and he wants to see accountability among senior management.
“To make it a culture of safety, and realize that no, you know, being punched in the face, bitten, or worse, equipment damage that could affect other patients, is not appropriate,” said Dr. Jain. “It’s not part of the job.”
He said, after an assault, doctors feel abandoned under the current system and they want sweeping changes to fix that.
CAEP has released a list of 18 recommendations to that effect.
For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.