Beginning April 15, facility security personnel will visit the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre

Government of Manitoba Institutional Safety Officers (ISOs) will begin patrolling the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center (HSC) starting April 15, increasing the hospital's ability to keep staff, patients and visitors safe.

“We fully support initiatives that improve the safety and security of people who work, visit and receive treatment in Manitoba's hospitals,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “It's a significant step forward in that institutional security officers are long overdue and given expanded training and legal authority to enforce and exercise powers under various provincial statutes.”

ISOs are responsible for safety and security at a number of facilities in Manitoba, including post-secondary institutions and hospitals. ISOs are trained in public safety and crime prevention, various de-escalation techniques, provincial law enforcement, arrest, search and seizure, use of force and officer safety, record taking, interview basics, court preparation and mental health awareness.

ISOs are also licensed as security guards and have additional training in healthcare settings enabling them to receive a mental health patient from the police and then guard and protect them until they are seen by healthcare professionals, the minister said.

ISO specialists who will begin work at HSC Winnipeg next week will be trained and equipped with the pepper gel as Shared Health and partners evaluate the suitability of other equipment in health care settings.

“Institutional Security Officers bring an additional layer of training and experience to ensure and maintain the safety of staff, patients and visitors at HSC,” said Dr. Shawn Young, Chief Operating Officer of HSC Winnipeg. “We will continue to conduct due diligence on other safety initiatives as we strive to balance the safety needs of the facility with the need for HSC to be a welcoming space for those seeking care.”

The addition of the ISOs is the next step in a broader plan to improve safety and security for everyone receiving and delivering care at HSC Winnipeg, the minister noted. Past improvements include security camera and panic alarm upgrades, lighting installation and park renovations.

Additional training sessions for ISO are ongoing, with classes scheduled for the next three months. A total of 105 ISO positions will be filled, with successful applicants completing training and testing at HSC Winnipeg, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Center and Selkirk Mental Health Centre.