Timmins and District Hospital has introduced new security measures in its emergency department — including giving security staff authority to use hands-on techniques when necessary. The hospital said the changes come after an increase in violent and erratic behaviour in the ER, including incidents in which staff have been injured. The new measures include a more visible security presence and the use of hands-on techniques when de-escalation efforts are unsuccessful. “We will always use de-escalation as a first response to a situation. But we also know that de-escalation doesn’t always work either,” said Mike Baker, the hospital’s president and CEO. “When that happens, our second policy change is that our security staff will use hands-on techniques in order to de-escalate the situation further.” Baker added the decision followed feedback from hospital staff and the community, including reports of patients leaving the emergency department without being seen. “We are also hearing from our staff who were being injured in some cases by people acting out,” he said. “So that was sort of the tipping point is realizing that it’s escalating.” The hospital told CTV News the hands-on techniques are intended to restrict a person’s movement so they cannot hurt themselves or others. Further, a security officer is now stationed in the emergency department from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with other security staff also patrolling the hospital. Baker said the additional security measures are also increasing the hospital’s operating costs. The hospital added that additional security training is underway and more policy changes are being developed. CTV News contacted the Ministry of Health to ask what measures the province is taking to support hospitals in protecting staff and patients. The ministry said in part: “Workplace violence and harassment, along with work-related mental health, are a core focus of this strategy,” added the ministry. The province said it will continue to work with hospital partners, including Timmins and District Hospital, to ensure they have the tools they need to deliver care safely. The hospital is also planning an expansion of its emergency department. Baker said the new ER will include a larger waiting area and more private treatment spaces, which he said could help improve safety. In the meantime, Baker said the enhanced security measures are needed now.
