Nurses at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre have voted for the facility to be “grey listed” because of worsening safety issues. The vote lasted multiple days this week. It still drew attention to the urgent fears voiced by almost 3,000 front-line members of the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU), whose ranks encompass 97 percent of all unionized nurses across the province. These recent incidents should sound serious alarm bells. After a series of sexual assaults and a bomb threat has put safety at the fore for staff and patients.
Recently, the Health Sciences Centre has been facing increased scrutiny after a disturbing string of events. In early July, the fifth person to recently come forward said they had been sexually assaulted on the campus. Just this past Friday, nurses found out about yet another assault. The scene turned extremely tense after police became involved. In fact, they had to handle a bomb threat scenario at the hospital’s emergency room outlet only yesterday before their ballot on the referendum.
Responses from Health Officials
Dr. Chris Christodoulou, a representative of the provincial health organization, stated that officials have met with union representatives to address these pressing issues. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying it is necessary to “ensure a collaborative and informed approach to workplace safety and well-being.”
Despite these reassurances, nurses remain wary. MNU President Darlene Jackson expressed her anger. She took hospital leadership to task for issuing “hollow promises” of increased safety measures. She stated, “We’ve heard empty promises from this employer for about five years on safety and … we’re at a stage now where we need to see action.”
Security Measures Implemented
In reaction to increasing activity, Health Sciences Centre has focused efforts on improving security both within and around its facility. These measures are augmented by heightened security through more surveillance cameras and panic buttons added across campus. Not surprisingly, the hospital has rolled out AI-powered weapon scanners at the entrances of its emergency departments. It increased security measures within the parkade, including additional security patrols for extra safety.
Dr. Christodoulou acknowledged these efforts as moves in the right direction, but she said they still haven’t completely eased nurses’ concerns. Jackson highlighted that the recent sexual assault of a nurse on the property was “really the straw that broke the camel’s back,” indicating how critical the situation has become for nursing staff.
Historical Context of Grey Listing
The MNU’s recent decision to grey list the Health Sciences Centre is a bold step. They’ve only gone this far five times in the last 20 years, the last times being on 2007 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. This action demonstrates the lengths to which nurses will go to not just address their safety concerns, but put their foot down and fight for what’s right.
