Sask. health unions say metal detectors in ERs are good start but want more supports
CBC
Unions representing Saskatchewan health-care workers say their members are worried about violence and weapons in hospitals — and while metal detectors are a start, other measures are needed to address the issue.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said this week it plans to install metal detectors in emergency departments in both Saskatoon and Regina, following a pilot program at the joint emergency department entrance at Royal University Hospital and Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon.
People may now be asked to pass through the metal detectors before accessing emergency services entering emergency rooms in those cities.
"From my perspective, it’s long overdue," Bashir Jalloh, the president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 5430, told CBC.
"We have seen the increase in violence on health-care workers. We have been saying this for many years to our employers, but we see that they are finally listening to the voice of reasoning."
The pilot program at Royal University Hospital helped detect, and confiscate, items including "machetes, general tools, gang-related things such as brass knuckles," said Lisa Zunti, the president of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU.
Jalloh said beyond the metal detectors, CUPE 5430 wants to see a plan to address violent outbursts toward staff.
"People have been spit on, people have been kicked," Jalloh said. "There is sexual harassment that is being done against our members."
Emergency rooms have become more violent due to people who are in mental crises going to those facilities, because of a lack of detox centres and other resources, Jalloh said.
Other solutions include focusing on hiring and retaining front-line staff to make ERs more efficient, he said.
"The shortage of health-care workers at the back end … is going to increase the number of times you have to wait [in the emergency room] to get your services," said Jalloh.
"And the longer you are waiting, people become frustrated … and who are they going to take that [out] on?"
Bryce Boynton, the president of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, said in a statement that metal detectors at select entrances "are not a comprehensive safety plan."
His union wants to see more security staff, cameras throughout ERs, and metal detectors at all entrances.
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