A recent violent assault on a healthcare worker at an Edmonton psychiatric hospital has drawn attention to the urgent need for enhanced support and safety measures for frontline workers facing workplace violence. The incident occurred on Christmas Day at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, a 300-bed addiction and mental health facility in the city’s northeast managed by Recovery Alberta.
According to the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, the assault resulted in a health-care worker being injured and left staff members traumatized. Limited information is available regarding the exact location of the assault and the two patients allegedly involved.
Police responded to the assault call at the hospital just before 2 a.m. on December 25, leading to the arrest of two male suspects with pending charges. The injured worker, who suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, has been discharged from the hospital.
Recovery Alberta stated that emergency protocols were immediately activated following the incident to ensure the safety of staff and patients. The organization emphasized its commitment to addressing workplace violence seriously, despite such incidents being rare.
The facility, previously under Alberta Health Services management, is now operated by Recovery Alberta as part of Alberta’s healthcare system restructuring. The agency refrained from further comments out of respect for the ongoing investigation and the privacy of the affected worker.
Criticism was directed at Recovery Alberta by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees for its handling of the assault, citing a failure to follow proper incident reporting procedures promptly. The union stressed the importance of providing comprehensive support to workers facing occupational health and safety challenges, particularly related to workplace violence.
The incident has raised concerns among healthcare workers, with the United Nurses of Alberta expressing sympathy for those affected and calling for improved support systems and preventative measures. The need for timely reporting of workplace violence and mental health support was underscored, emphasizing the pervasive issue of violence in healthcare settings.
Healthcare unions have observed an alarming increase in workplace violence incidents since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuating the challenges faced by healthcare workers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalent risks and the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures and mental health support in healthcare environments.