A former patient of the QEII Halifax Infirmary is raising her voice about her worries regarding safety, claiming she directly observed the kind of violence that healthcare professionals endure. Mandie Pitre shares her experience following a Code Silver event, that occurred recently at the hospital’s emergency room, where three employees underwent a stabbing incident.
Pitre stresses the importance of enhanced safety and security measures for both staff and patients, warning that without necessary actions, such violent incidents will continue to occur. During her hospitalization in the orthopaedic unit in September 2024 for a dislocated ankle, she explains how she overheard a patient threatening the nursing team with scissors.
Pitre recounts the fear and tension of the situation, with the absence of security and the nurses’ increasing panic. She describes the police’s attempt to deescalate the situation and her horrifying memory of hearing a chilling scream. The patient had run past her in the hallway, causing harm to himself and leaving a crime scene in the hospital.
Despite the recent attack, Pitre expresses her disappointment at the lack of changes in the hospital’s security measures. The issue of workplace violence is a significant concern for all nurses and potential nursing students, as it can deter them from pursuing a career in the field. Tiffany McEwen, the president of the Canadian Nursing Students Association, emphasizes the potential long-term impacts of such incidents, which can lead to loss of income and post-traumatic stress.
The Nova Scotia Nurses Union, however, believes that violence can be prevented. Janet Hazleton, the union’s president, has been vocal about the need for round-the-clock security, security cameras, and metal detectors in all facilities. Karen Oldfield, CEO of Nova Scotia Health, reassures that measures are being taken to enhance security in the province’s ERs, including the purchase of metal-detecting wands and a $7 million investment in new security measures.
In relation to the recent stabbing, a 32-year-old man from Halifax faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety and security measures in healthcare facilities.
