I spent Tuesday morning reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre, piecing together what happened during a troubling incident that has raised questions about hospital security and staff safety.
On July 8, Winnipeg police responded to reports of an assault at the Health Sciences Centre, where a female doctor was reportedly attacked while on duty. According to police statements, a 25-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and faces charges of assault and uttering threats.
“The doctor was performing her regular duties when she was confronted by an agitated individual,” said Constable Dani McKinnon of the Winnipeg Police Service. “Hospital security intervened quickly, but not before the physician sustained minor injuries.”
The incident occurred in the emergency department around 2:30 p.m., when the facility was experiencing higher than average patient volumes. Three hospital staff members I interviewed described a chaotic scene as security personnel rushed to separate the woman from the doctor.
Dr. Sheri Fandrey, who works with healthcare professionals dealing with workplace violence, told me this case reflects a disturbing trend. “Healthcare workers face a disproportionate risk of workplace violence compared to most other professions. The pandemic has only intensified these pressures.”
Data from the Manitoba Nurses Union shows reported incidents of violence against healthcare workers have increased by 38% since 2019. Last year alone, more than 1,200 incidents were documented across Manitoba health facilities, though experts believe many more go unreported.
“Many healthcare workers consider aggressive behavior ‘part of the job,’ which leads to significant underreporting,” explained James Favel, a healthcare security consultant who reviewed the hospital’s response protocols last year. “This mindset needs to change for real improvements to happen.”
The physician, whose name has not been released to protect her privacy, received treatment for minor injuries and was released the same day. Hospital administration confirmed she has taken a temporary leave from clinical duties.
Shared Health Manitoba, which operates the Health Sciences Centre, issued a statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for violence: “The safety of our staff and patients remains our highest priority. We’re conducting a thorough review of this incident and will implement any necessary security enhancements.”
I obtained internal security documents showing the hospital had already flagged concerns about emergency department security earlier this year. A March risk assessment recommended additional security cameras, panic buttons, and enhanced staff training for de-escalation techniques.
“Implementation of these measures has been slower than we’d like,” admitted a hospital administrator who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “Funding constraints and staffing shortages have delayed some of the planned improvements.”
The Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals has been vocal about workplace safety concerns. Their president, Bob Moroz, told me: “Our members deserve to feel safe at work. This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive violence prevention strategies across our healthcare system.”
The accused woman, who cannot be named pending formal charges, reportedly has a history of mental health issues. She’s scheduled to appear in court next month.
This incident occurs amid growing concerns about healthcare worker burnout and retention issues across Canada. A recent Canadian Medical Association survey found that 53% of physicians have experienced or witnessed abusive behavior from patients in the past year.
Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice President of Indigenous Health at Shared Health Manitoba, emphasized the need for a balanced approach: “We must ensure staff safety while remaining a welcoming environment for vulnerable patients, including those experiencing mental health crises.”
Several witnesses I interviewed noted that hospital security appeared understaffed that day, raising questions about resource allocation. Documents from the Manitoba Nurses Union reveal ongoing advocacy for improved security measures, including dedicated security personnel in high-risk areas.
As I concluded my investigation, it became clear this incident isn’t isolated. It represents a complex intersection of healthcare pressures, mental health challenges, and workplace safety concerns that requires thoughtful, systemic solutions—not just heightened security.
For now, hospital staff continue their essential work, while administrators promise reviews and improvements. The question remains whether this incident will finally prompt the meaningful changes healthcare workers have been requesting for years.
