By Kaytlyn Poberznick

Nursing

Local MLA and BCNU weigh in on new addition of security officers in hospitals

Nov 23, 2023 | 3:01 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Typically, nurses have had to handle conflict on their own in hospitals. Taking down patients, dealing with heated situations, and everything in between. But now, the government has added 320 new relational security officers throughout B.C.The catch, only 26 healthcare centres are benefiting.

“While I’m relieved to see something happening, this leaves a large number of healthcare facilities without this kind of support.”

– Shirley Bond, MLA Prince George-Valemount

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Danette Thomsen, BCNU Council Member, says that the newly recruited security officers are far more trained than the ones most hospitals have been seeing up to this point. She says the officers that have primarily been in these facilities have been trained to the same level as ‘mall cops’.

“They will be part of the health care team. They should be trained in de-escalation techniques. And also, when a patient does have to be restrained, they would be able to lead that and be a part of that.”

– Danette Thomsen, BCNU Council Member

The implementation of these measures was part of a new security model announced in 2022. And now, as we look to enter into 2024 in a matter of weeks, it’s unfortunate to see how long it’s taken to get the ball rolling.

“Over a year to get these positions filled and trained, and you can only imagine what’s occurred during that year. So, from my perspective, it is essential that we care for the people who work on the front lines in our system. They should be able to expect a safe and healthy workplace.

– Shirley Bond

These are only the baby steps of what is hopefully a successful launch, and can be given to hospitals and health-care facilities across Canada.

UHNBC will be receiving 9 out of the 320 recruited security officers.