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What happened: We were distressed to learn about the serious assault of a psychiatrist by a patient at HSC on Sunday. Shared Health advised us of the event within hours and we have been engaging with the physician to offer our support as they navigate recovery. 

• Officers already on-site for another matter assisted HSC security and called in members of the new 24 – 7 hospital detail. 
• A woman in her 30s was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon. 

“I’m deeply disturbed about what happened to one of our colleagues at HSC, and our team has reached out to offer support and to hear more about what happened so we can identify opportunities to improve safety,” explained Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“Physicians deserve to be safe in and around every health facility, and during every patient interaction. We won’t stop pressing for changes to improve safety and security for everyone in the health care system.” 

In the news: Doctors Manitoba spoke with the Free Press, CBC Manitoba and other outlets this week highlighting our concern and continued advocacy. 

Improving safety: HSC and Shared Health have taken several steps to improve safety around the campus, including a Safety App we encourage all physicians, residents and students to download: 

• A new mobile App called Shared Health Safe (Download Here)
• Five new main entrance weapons-scanners
• The addition of 24/7 on-duty police officers

However, this brutal assault serves as an unnecessary reminder that more actions are needed — and needed quickly — particularly for higher risk direct care situations. 

What’s next: The incident highlights both the urgency and complexity of making hospitals safe for those who care for Manitobans. 

We are committed to ensuring all physicians can work in as safe an environment as possible. 

• We are meeting regularly with HSC, Shared Health and provincial leaders to ensure our recommendations influence further concrete action at Manitoba’s largest hospital. 
• We see health system leaders taking physicians’ concerns seriously, and we look forward to seeing further action to make the hospital campus safer and more accessible for all patients, doctors, staff, and community members. 
• We know additional community safety visibility around the campus is important, including between hospital, university, and parking, and transit facilities. 

Resources available to you: Our Doc360 Physician Health resources are always available. If you or a colleague are feeling distressed or overwhelmed about the safety situation, or for any other reason, reach out to Doc360 resources. You can access resources at DRMB​.ca/HELP or by calling 1−844−433−3762.

Your voice matters: Your feedback helps inform our continued advocacy with government, justice officials and health system leaders. As we continue pressing for broader supports at HSC and across Manitoba, we invite you to email us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.