Nurses Vote to Grey List Thompson Hospital Amid Rising Violence

A nurse at Thompson General Hospital in northern Manitoba has raised alarms about escalating violence within the facility, prompting significant actions from the nursing community. This nurse, who has worked at the hospital for over a decade, voiced concerns about increased threats to safety, stating, “We’re always on heightened alert.” Their anonymity was protected due to fears of repercussions.

The nurse highlighted that the violence manifests in various forms, including verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, as well as weapon-related incidents. “It is the expectation that we are to take the form of abuse while expected to deliver the most compassionate and high standard of care,” they explained. The recent rise in violence correlates with broader community issues, including crime rates.

In response to these challenges, the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) recently conducted a vote where an overwhelming 97 percent of its members supported grey listing Thompson General Hospital. This designation discourages union members from working at facilities deemed unsafe due to incidents like violence or chronic understaffing. This decision follows two serious incidents within the past year: a shooting in the hospital’s chapel on Christmas Eve in 2024 and a stabbing incident involving a patient.

Union Response and Safety Concerns

MNU President Darlene Jackson stated that the safety of nurses, healthcare professionals, and patients is at risk. In a statement, she emphasized that nurses have repeatedly raised concerns about violence, chronic understaffing, forced overtime, and unsafe patient loads. “Despite repeated attempts to work collaboratively with the employer, these issues have not been addressed in any meaningful or sustained way,” she said. Jackson described the grey listing as a clear message that the status quo is unacceptable.

The nurse who spoke with CTV News expressed that the vote was a last resort, emphasizing a need for urgent support and resources from the government. “It was more of a political strategy, as a last resort to failed advocacy on all levels,” they noted.

Impact on Nursing Students and Future Professionals

The ramifications of violence in healthcare settings extend beyond current practitioners. Vladimir Alvarez, a second-year nursing student at the University of Manitoba, shared his apprehensions about entering the profession amid rising safety concerns. “I think it can be discouraging for nurses finding a job,” he stated, referring to the violence surrounding hospitals. Alvarez himself has been a victim of violence, having been stabbed twice in a separate incident earlier this year.

Alvarez believes that the current atmosphere could deter potential nursing candidates, stressing the importance of ensuring safety for healthcare workers. “It is important that we have these nurses and that we have people that feel safe coming to these communities,” he added.

Calls for Action and Changes Ahead

The nurse from Thompson General Hospital is advocating for immediate changes to improve safety within the facility, including the implementation of Institutional Safety Officers (ISO). “We do need peace officers within our facility,” they argued. The lack of support creates anxiety and challenges their ability to provide adequate care.

As a response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson from the Northern Health Region (NHR), which oversees the hospital, confirmed that ISO officers will be implemented by December 1, 2024. Additionally, the hospital plans to upgrade its infrastructure to enhance security measures. “Leadership is actively meeting with the Manitoba Nurses Union to listen to their concerns and discuss opportunities to improve working conditions for their members,” the spokesperson stated.

The recent actions taken by nurses in Thompson underline a critical need for systemic change within healthcare settings, not just in Manitoba but potentially across Canada. As nurses unite to demand safer working environments, the hope is that their collective voices will lead to meaningful reforms that protect healthcare workers and the patients they serve.