More Security Coming to Kamloops Psychiatric Facility

BC Health Minister Terry Lake has announced that more security will be added to the Hillside Psychiatric Centre in Kamloops following a serious assault on a nurse earlier this week.

Minister Lake spent time on Friday morning at the centre with BC Nurses Union (BCNU) President Gayle Duteil and Interior Health CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny to discuss workplace safety for staff at the facility.

The Health Minister confirmed that a plain clothed security guard will be staffed at the mental health centre seven days a week to help

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow

Lake emphasized if health care professionals do not feel comfortable going to their workplace then they will be unable to deliver the exceptional care that they are known for.

The three hosted a brief media availability on Friday morning to also discuss the broader issue of safety for the nearly 41,000 nurses across the province.

BCNEU President suggested that she was pleased with the decision confirmed by Lake because it's critical that professionals know that they can provide patient care and return home without worry for their safety.

Staff levels are an area of concern for the BC Nurses Union at facilities like this one around the province.

Health care professionals around BC recently held an event that resulted in an agreement to review four mental health centres throughout the province, including the one in this city.

Lake expects the review of these four facilities and the broader issue of workplace safety in health care to be completed by early summer.

BCNU President confirmed that the nurse attacked earlier this week was treated at Royal Inland Hospital following hte incident but she is currently at home resting.

WorkSafeBC and Interior Health are currently conducting an investigation into the assault.

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow