Now the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses are demanding more security. This just a few days after a man was arrested for bringing a shotgun and multiple knives to St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. The crash took place on the 27th of November. It has galvanized outrage, debate and discussion and even created worry for the safety of healthcare workers in the province. Saskatoon police responded to two calls that night: one regarding a firearm found in a bathroom and another about a man exhibiting violent behavior.
That deeply troubling incident sparked their response. The 2024-25 provincial budget to test the AI-assisted guns and violence detection technology at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon as part of a new provincewide pilot program. The union feels that these technological advances are important in helping combat the increase in safety hazards encountered by those in the healthcare profession.
Union Demands Action
Bryce Boynton, president of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses echoed concerns that the safety of nurses was becoming deeply compromised. He voiced fears for other healthcare staff after the shooting. He moved right into it, focusing on the theme that every one of us has a specific role to play, and we had better be good at it. To be able to reach that excellence, we must be safe in our profession. We have to make sure that care is safe to deliver. Folks, safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone should make it home safe after their work shift is over.
Boynton implored, reiterating the need for immediate action. To that end, he asked why healthcare facilities haven’t taken the initiative to add protective measures such as metal detectors and increased security staff. As such, he queried, “Why aren’t we seeing these metal detectors in all of the facilities?” His follow up was, “Why aren’t there additional security guards in every place?
The union’s demands point to an increasing worry among frontline healthcare workers. That they feel existing security is insufficient to keep them safe in today’s unpredictable climate.
Government Response
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe discussed the incident Friday and recognized the urgency of the situation. He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to support law enforcement initiatives to reduce violence in our communities. Our priority is to provide these people assistance, but hold them accountable to the law,” he said. Moe further emphasized the importance of rigorous enforcement of the law to deal with illegal guns and drugs.
“Enforce the law when it comes to street weapons such as this, enforce the law when it comes to dealing and possession of these poisonous drugs that are in our community.” – Scott Moe
Moe’s comments suggest that the government is aware of the broader issues that may contribute to violence in healthcare settings, including addiction and mental health challenges.
Broader Implications
Meara Conway, the Saskatchewan NDP health critic, pointed out that incidents like these are symptoms of deeper systemic issues within society. She strongly supported the notion that treating addiction and mental health is the first and foremost step in protecting healthcare providers’ safety.
As discussions continue around improving security measures in hospitals, both the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses and government officials stress the importance of creating a safe environment for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
