WINNIPEG — Manitoba has ordered a review of security and safety procedures and programs at health-care facilities across the province.
A request for proposals has been issued to help guide a new set of provincial standards that will be used at larger health facilities in Winnipeg, and in rural and northern Manitoba.
“This review will report back on the varying levels of staffing and training standards currently in place at these facilities, and create a plan to ensure the continued safety for all Manitobans visiting or working at these facilities,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen.
Health Sciences Centre recently enhanced its own security by hiring additional staff, bolstering training, limiting access points to the HSC campus overnight and equipping staff with personal alarms.
The provincial review will build upon these improvements by further evaluating security at HSC, then extend the analysis to other facilities.
“Our staff, visitors and patients need and deserve to feel safe,” said Real Cloutier, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “Getting expert opinion in this area is part of our overall strategy to improve the safety and security in our health-care facilities.”
The province says areas outside of Winnipeg that may be included in the review are Brandon, Dauphin, Swan River, Thompson, Flin Flon, The Pas, Selkirk, Pine Falls, Boundary Trails Health Centre, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler.
