The recent death of a patient at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), stemming from a distressing incident that prompted police intervention, has sparked significant concerns regarding the safety protocols at the inner-city hospital. The tragic occurrence has prompted an internal inquiry and raised questions about the measures in place to ensure the well-being of both patients and staff.
According to reports, the patient, who had been initially brought to the mental health crisis response unit on Bannatyne Avenue at the HSC campus, tragically passed away as a result of self-harm while receiving treatment in a hospital ward. Dr. James Bolton, the medical director of Shared Health crisis response services and HSC emergency psychiatry, confirmed that support has been made available to the patient’s family and the hospital staff affected by the incident.
Const. Jason Michalyshen, a spokesperson for the police department, disclosed that officers were dispatched to the crisis response center after the individual in distress inflicted self-harm. The officers stabilized the situation, allowing the patient to receive medical attention. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery at HSC and was transferred to a unit for further care and recuperation.
Tragically, on Sunday, the patient assaulted at least one staff member before ultimately taking their own life. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of both patients and personnel within the hospital premises. Questions abound regarding potential measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While police officers were not present during the fatal incident on Sunday, they were notified afterward. Const. Michalyshen refrained from providing further details, citing an ongoing investigation to uncover the facts and proposing recommendations to minimize the likelihood of similar incidents.
These distressing events unfold against a backdrop of existing concerns among HSC staff regarding safety within the inner-city hospital and its surrounding areas. Reports suggest that instances of violence involving both patients and employees are regrettably common, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and support systems.
As the healthcare community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, there is a collective call for action to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals within healthcare settings. It is imperative that lessons are learned, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.