The Manitoba government is partnering with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) to establish a visible presence 24-7 inside the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg emergency department.
“Ensuring the safety of patients and front-line health-care workers is the priority of this investment,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “By funding dedicated police officers within the Health Sciences Centre emergency department, we are taking a proactive step to create a more secure and supportive environment for those seeking care and those providing it. This initiative is designed with the unique community needs of HSC in mind, and will ensure that people in crisis are treated with dignity and care.”
This new initiative includes the deployment of two uniformed WPS members 24-7 and the addition of five new weapon-detection scanners at the main public entrances of the hospital. The deployment of these members will immediately enhance and support public safety and the security services being provided at HSC Winnipeg by security guards and institutional safety officers (ISOs), Wiebe noted.
“This investment strengthens public safety at one of our largest hospitals,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “By working together with the ISOs, these police officers will create a layered security response structure that ensures individuals in crisis continue to receive the care and supervision they need. It’s a smart, collaborative approach that benefits both law enforcement and the health-care system.”
The initiative is part of larger safety enhancements at HSC Winnipeg that include reducing public access points into the facility, enhancing the HSC Winnipeg ISO program, security screening, communications systems and protocols, and fortifying security features within the hospital’s tunnel system. These improvements, layered over significant infrastructure investments to car parks and other parts of the campus, support a safe facility for everyone to work and receive care, the ministers noted.
