'Unacceptable way to get response': Increase in violence happening to frontline health workers
The Brant Community Healthcare System is reporting an increase in verbal and physical violence directed at frontline healthcare staff.
“We are asking that they [staff] be treated first with respect and with civility and not have to come to work and worry about being treated violently,” said Dr. David McNeil, president and CEO of the Brant Community Healthcare System.
Dr. McNeil wants to remind visitors to Brantford General Hospital or the Willett Urgent Care Centre to treat staff with the respect and courtesy they deserve.
“I’m unhappy that I have to actually issue a notice like this to the public," he said.
He said more staff are being physically hurt, and it’s an issue that is getting worse.
“It's a contributing factor to people leaving the profession, and it sure is a contributing factor to the moral distress that we're seeing within our frontline providers,” Dr. McNeil said.
According to Dr. McNeil, staffing shortages caused by the pandemic are making wait times in emergency rooms longer than usual.
However, he said lashing out at healthcare workers is not going to speed up the process.
“It's an unacceptable way to get [a] response,” Dr. McNeil said.
Since the pandemic started, violence against healthcare workers in Ontario has increased by 50 per cent, according to the Ontario Nurses’ Association.
“It is in every single place. It’s not only in hospital, it’s in-home care, public healthcare. It’s everywhere,” Cathryn Hoy, president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association said.
Hoy said despite security and response systems in healthcare settings, nurses are facing violence daily. Some may not feel comfortable reporting it as well.
“They’re threatened, they’re grabbed by the throat, they’re choked, they’re punched, hit, spit, kicked, you name it,” Hoy said.
According to Hoy, some nurses can not return to work due to their injuries. She thinks extra security, like a metal detector, might be helpful for staff safety.
“You would be shocked at the weapons that come through the doors. We’ve had shootings in emergency departments. That’s ridiculous,” Hoy said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.