Skip to content

Attack on Barrie nurse of 'grave concern': Union

Nurse knocked unconscious in violent assault by patient
20150831 Barrie RVH Hospital Sign KA 009
File photo Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Kenneth Armstrong/BarrieToday

A registered practical nurse at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre was knocked unconscious and suffered severe facial injuries and two broken ribs when she was "violently attacked" by a patient, according to the SEIU Healthcare.

The nurse is a 37-year veteran of the health care system.

"She's definitely a senior worker. She's been in the system for a long time," said SEIU president Sharleen Stewart. "It's very sad that somebody that's been working in health care that long ends up likes this. It's not like she was new and inexperienced."

In a release, the union said it is deeply concerned and shocked by the recent violent attack on one of its members in the workplace.

The union of more than 55,000 frontline healthcare workers says the July 20 attack -  of "grave concern" - happened while the nurse was on patient watch for the night at the hospital.

The nurse, who has not been identified, is currently resting and recuperating from her injuries.

"The emotional impact hasn't really sunk in yet. I'm sure it will," said Stewart.  "She had multiple facial injuries, stitches, of course she's black and blue and then she's got her two broken ribs."

Barrie Police have said charges are pending against a 23-year old man from Barrie who was at RVH on a Form 1 Mental Health Act apprehension. 

Stewart says cutbacks have left health care workers more vulnerable than ever and incidents of violence are on the rise.

An investigation is ongoing into what happened and the union is working with the hospital to find answers. 

"How long he was able to attack her is an issue too," said Stewart.  "Her colleagues discovered her.  It's very, very frightening."

Stewart also says there needs to be more support for adults with mental health issues because due to cutbacks, patients are ending up in the wrong types of care.

"We have to put stronger policies and protection in," Stewart said. "If it means there should be two caregivers on watch then we need to start looking at making it safe rather than the cutbacks and particularly with mental health, making sure adults get the help they need and that they're being cared for in the right environment."

Stewart says the union has a task force working with government and other unions, such as OPSEU, which has also had several recent violent attacks on its health care workers. 

Officials need to adopt a zero tolerance approach, says Stewart. 

"What are we going to do when somebody is killed.  This is a very serious issue," Stewart said. 


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
Read more