Winnipeg police may soon be permanently stationed at the province’s largest hospital following a spike in violent incidents at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre (HSC), the province confirmed to CTV News.

There have been several recent violent incidents around the hospital, including the sexual assault of several women in July.

“By funding dedicated police officers in the HSC emergency department, we are taking a proactive step to create a safer and more supportive environment for patients and staff,” said Manitoba Health Minister Uzuma Asegawara.

Five new gun-detection scanners will also be installed at the hospital’s entrances, in addition to the AI ​​scanners that have been in place since 2024.

Staff and union reaction
Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, called the move “a positive step” but cautioned that it is only one step away from the need for a long-term solution.

Hospital workers have been warning about their job security for months. A recent survey found that nearly 45% of physical incidents involving doctors in the province occurred at HSC. In August, the hospital was placed on the grey list, advising current and future employees not to hire because of unsafe working conditions.

Need for more staff
Steven Staples, director of national policy for Canadians, says the main problem is staffing shortages, and that money spent on police could be better spent on increasing the ratio of nurses and doctors to patients.

The role of police in hospitals varies
Jennifer Dunsford, a nurse and professor at the University of Manitoba, believes that a police presence can provide short-term peace of mind but can escalate situations in the long run, especially for people who have had negative experiences with law enforcement. She stressed that training and clarity about the roles of staff and police are essential.

Alarming situation across the country
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) says violence and harassment against health-care workers is on the rise across Canada. The results of a 2021 CMA survey found that 80% of physicians have experienced threats, bullying or harassment at least once during their careers.

“Health-care workers expect a safe environment and need to be protected in their workplace. Public education and the presence of security guards and law enforcement play a key role in reducing violence,” said Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the CMA.

Source