An escalation in the number of sexual assaults, violence and other safety threats in recent weeks at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre has prompted renewed attention from health system leaders to ensure all health care providers, staff, and visitors feel physically and psychologically safe in the facility. 

Committed to Your Safety

Earlier this week, we reached out to physicians, students and residents at HSC and the Bannatyne campus to offer our support and encourage them to share their views, concerns, and ideas. Thank you to those who have responded, and we continue to invite confidential feedback to practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca. We will be sharing the themes of what we hear in a non-identifiable manner with leadership at HSC, Shared Health, and the University to ensure your feedback informs their ongoing response. 

Shared Health has met with several health care organizations, as well as government and law enforcement officials. Their memo outlines actions such as increased security, cameras, lights, and more secured entries. The Rady Faculty also sent a memo earlier this summer to medical learners with information about safe walk/​ride programs and that UM facilities are locked down to card holders after 5pm. 

HSC has also announced a series of drop-in meetings to discuss your concerns over coffee:

• August 18, 10 – 1100 in the 24hr Food Court, Green Owl Zone Level 2
• August 21, 10 – 1100 in the 24hr Food Court, Green Owl Zone Level 2
• August 22, 0715 – 0830, in the 24hr Food Court, Green Owl Zone Level 2

We are here for you

• As noted in a communication this week with HSC physicians and learners, we invite you write to us, in confidence, at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.
• 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.

Safety at Other Health Facilities

If you work at another hospital or health facility, we want to hear from you too. We know overall that physicians report to us an average of three physical safety incidents and seven psychological safety incidents per year. Please send your concerns about safety in your workplace to us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca and please clearly identify your work location.