This week’s news included reporting about a Winnipeg physician’s experience of criminal harassment. Intimidation and abuse are never acceptable, and we share our members’ distress when incidents like this occur. 

The physician, who was not named in the story, described the distress this has caused in a victim impact statement: ​“All of this has taken a substantial, mental, physical and emotional toll on me and my family.” 

The incident stemmed from an ER visit in 2022. The patient pleaded guilty this week to mischief and criminal harassment and was sentenced to nine months in jail, followed by three years of probation, with two years under supervision. He was also ordered to have no contact with the doctor and not attend St. Boniface Hospital, except in the case of an emergency. 

Your Safety

Unfortunately, safety is a growing concern among physicians and health care workers in Manitoba. While stories do make the news occasionally, most do not. Our Annual Physician Survey earlier this year found nearly one third (32%) of physicians reported experiencing at least one physical safety incident in the previous 12 months, and nearly half (47%) experienced at least one psychological safety incident. 

We want to work together to enhance safety and respect in all interactions with your patients. 

Doctors Manitoba and the Canadian Medical Association advocated for urgent federal legislation to protect health professionals from violence, bullying and harassment, resulting in Bill C‑3. It took effect in early 2022, and outlines enhanced protections for health care workers under Canada’s Criminal Code, including the following: 

1. It is illegal to use fear to stop a health care worker or those who assist them from performing their duties, or to prevent a person from obtaining health services. 
2. It is illegal to obstruct any person from accessing health facilities. 

Those convicted of these offences could face up to 10 years in prison. The legislation also states that offences targeting health workers can be used as aggravating factors during sentencing. 

In public and directly with authorities, we have advocated for broader supports to address safety concerns at hospitals and clinics, including at Health Sciences Centre with initiatives to improve security there along with all health facilities. 

What to Do If You Are Targeted 

If you feel unsafe, or if you are subject to harassment, abuse, or intimidation, or if to are worried for your colleagues, here’s what to do: 

1. Understand the level of risk for you, your peers and your staff. Reflect on your experience and ask your peers and employees about their experience. Has anyone faced any bullying, threats, intimidation, disrespect or aggression? Don’t brush off past disrespectful behaviours as they can escalate in the future. Do not assume you are the only person in your workspace to experience harm just because you haven’t heard of other incidents. Talk to your colleagues. 
2. Review and update existing safety policies and procedures. All health facilities, including physicians’ offices and clinics, are required to have a violence prevention policy in place under provincial workplace safety rules. Start by reviewing any plan already in place for violence prevention or respectful work environments and suggest improvements as needed. 
3. Report incidents ASAP! If there is an imminent threat to health or safety, contact the police immediately. We care about you and your colleagues. We can assist you in problem-solving your specific situations so you can feel safe and provide the best care possible to your patients.
   1. Report any incidents to Doctors Manitoba including incidents of bullying, threats, aggression, violence, or intimidation. 
4. Seek Support and Promote Psychological Safety. While avoiding physical abuse and violence is a priority, do not underestimate the impact of verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation. These tactics can take a toll and should not be brushed off. 

Our Doc360 health and wellness resources can be accessed by physicians, medical learners, and their families anytime. Visit Doc360​.ca for more information. You can also use our intake line anytime at 204−237−8320, toll free at 1 – 844 – 433-DRMB (1−844−433−3762) or complete the online intake form.

As we continue our advocacy work, if you feel comfortable sharing your experience, we invite you write to us, in confidence, at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Additional resource: When Physicians Feel Bullied or Threatened (CMPA)