Urgent Safety Concerns Emerge at Winnipeg Women’s Health Clinic

BREAKING: Staff at Winnipeg’s Women’s Health Clinic are raising alarming safety concerns following the resignation of former executive director Kemlin Nembhard, who allegedly left doors unlocked and allowed unsupervised individuals, some armed and using drugs, into sensitive health-care areas. This situation has prompted intervention from provincial authorities.

The complaints date back to March 2023, when the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health department investigated the clinic after a staff member filed a complaint. The investigation revealed serious safety issues, ultimately leading to an “improvement order” which mandated the clinic to address 10 specific areas related to violence and harassment. As of November 2023, the clinic was deemed compliant with these safety requirements.

On Thursday, the entry doors at the Graham Avenue facility remained unlocked, although further access into the clinic was restricted. A notice on the front door warned visitors of a security checkpoint and prohibited weapons on-site.

Established in 1981, Winnipeg’s Women’s Health Clinic has been a pioneer in providing access to abortion, birth control, mental health support, and pregnancy counseling. It is the largest of three facilities in Manitoba offering medical abortions. However, current and former employees are voicing concerns about Nembhard’s leadership, accusing her of fostering an unsafe environment.

Nembhard’s resignation email cited a culture of “toxicity, hostility, racism, white privilege, and white fragility” as her reasons for leaving. Staff allege that under her management, the clinic became chaotic and unsafe, with reports of assaults, public sex, and drug use in private areas. One anonymous staff member stated, “Staff sometimes evacuated due to safety threats, but directors generally worked from home and were absent during incidents.”

Nembhard has not commented on these allegations. In response, interim board chair Faustine Muyenzi acknowledged past safety concerns and pledged forthcoming changes to the clinic’s structure. “We are aware that concerns have been raised in the past and we have consistently acted to ensure they are addressed,” Muyenzi stated in an email.

The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) has called for a full review of workplace policies, claiming that safety incidents have escalated as a result of Nembhard’s management style. MAHCP president Jason Linklater highlighted that their members raised concerns about safety that were often ignored.

A grievance filed against the clinic in July 2024 alleges that the clinic’s policies led to sexual harassment and verbal assaults on both staff and clients. The clinic’s failure to address these claims has caused significant burnout among employees.

A notable incident occurred on July 27, 2022, when a man with a knife entered the clinic, prompting staff to call the police. Nembhard later described the incident as a misjudgment, stating, “We learned that we over-reacted in this particular situation.” The police arrested the man, who had prior legal issues, including possession of a machete.

Staff members have expressed frustration that only after multiple inspections and threats of closure did Nembhard finally implement a door-locking policy. Recent changes include the installation of a front desk and staffing it to enhance security.

Union representatives have emphasized the need for trained security personnel to manage violent situations effectively. The Manitoba Nurses Union expressed surprise at Nembhard’s resignation, citing ongoing safety concerns that were not adequately addressed.

As the clinic faces intense scrutiny, staff remain committed to providing essential care. One employee stated, “We’re going to continue providing care… with this new HR individual, staff are feeling supported, and staff are feeling better.”

The Women’s Health Clinic is under pressure to restore trust and ensure safety for both staff and clients. Further announcements regarding organizational changes are expected next week, as the community watches closely.