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New safety officers at Manitoba hospitals aim to reduce workplace violence – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

WINNIPEG – Manitoba's largest hospital is slated to have new security officers Monday in an effort to reduce violence.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said security staff at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg have been armed with pepper gel and will be installed at other health facilities in the province later.

Health workers have complained of increased violence from people under the influence of drugs or with mental health problems.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew greets Deputy Premier, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Uzoma Asagwara as Asagwara is sworn in at the premier and cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. New security officers. is scheduled to be at Manitoba's largest hospital on Monday in an effort to reduce violence. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew greets Deputy Premier, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Uzoma Asagwara as Asagwara is sworn in at the premier and cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. New security officers. is scheduled to be at Manitoba's largest hospital on Monday in an effort to reduce violence. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

The Manitoba Nurses Union filed a complaint, saying its members were not in a safe workplace.

Asagwara said the security personnel were trained in de-escalation tactics and other skills.