BC, nurses union announce cash to prevent violence against healthcare staff

“We hope to minimize risks for nurses across the province of B.C.” said Duteil.

“These are sites that look after some of the most challenging patients in health care, that have often severe mental-health issues that they’re dealing with, [and] often have a history of violence in their background”, Lake said.

“So while we’re pleased to begin reducing the risks at these four sites, we’re resolved to see the issue of violence addressed across the entire health-care system”. “Yet we recognize, in many health-care workplaces, when people are under physical or mental stress, there is a potential for violent behaviour”, said Lake.

“Actions may include upgrading distress button systems, enhancing staffing levels, and creating new positions as well as increasing education and training, and some of that work is already underway”.

The B.C. health ministry is adding an extra $2 million to improve security at four facilities identified as having the highest risk for violence.

In December, a nurse was punched and thrown against a wall by a patient at the centre in Kamloops and a doctor was attacked at Penticton Regional Hospital.

Eight other sites will eventually be targeted as well.

“The problem is far bigger than just a dozen sites. The threat of violence is present in virtually every care setting – including in residential care”.

Health Minister Terry Lake says each site has a plan tailored to its needs.

Seven Oaks will also adopt stronger admissions criteria with a focus on safety, Duteil said.

The Ministry and the BCNU have each contributed $1 million towards the improvement of safety at the facilities.

“No nurse should be starting work without violence-prevention skills in her back pocket”, she said.

The improvements come after a patient at Hillside Centre seriously assaulted a nurse in April, and a patient in Abbotsford Regional Hospital attacked an emergency room nurse in March.