Groups call on public safety and law enforcement officials to continue their vigilance in enforcing laws
Three unions have criticized the recent attack on three hospital workers in Nova Scotia.
“The reprehensible assault of health workers Opens in a new window in Halifax last week is a harsh reminder of the dangers health professionals across Canada face while trying to provide quality care to patients,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, president of Canadian Medical Association (CMA); Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, president, Canadian Nurses’ Association (CNA); and Linda Silas, president, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU).
Halifax Regional Police charged the man who attacked – and left injured – four individuals at a Nova Scotia hospital on Wednesday last week.
Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, has been charged with one count of attempted murder and three counts of assault with a weapon. He is also facing two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.
The incident happened at The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII).
Coulombe – who was receiving care at the hospital – stabbed two hospital workers in the emergency room. He also injured two others – including another hospital staff – by throwing objects at them.
One of the victims sustained significant injuries, according to the police.
While the incident “may be an extreme case,” the reality is “doctors, nurses and other health workers are subject to verbal and physical abuse on a daily basis,” said the union leaders.
According to the 2021 National Physician Health Survey from the CMA, eight in 10 physicians have experienced intimidation, bullying and/or harassment in the workplace at some point in their careers. Four in 10 reported that these experiences happen “frequently” or “often,” with women significantly more likely to say they happen at least once a week.
Also, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of healthcare workers experienced physical violence, based on the Canadian Union of Public Employees's (CUPE) survey of 2,300 front-line registered practical nurses (RPNs), personal support workers (PSWs), porters, cleaners and other front-line hospital staff, conducted May 17 to 24, 2022.
Reimer, LeBlanc and Silas also cited a recent national review of workplace violence reports Opens in a new window that, they said, highlighted that incidents against nurses have become more severe and frequent in recent years, often resulting in physical and psychological harm.
Healthcare workers also suffer from online bullying, they said.
In 2021, the federal government responded to calls for help from the CMA, the Canadian Nurses’ Association (CNA) and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) with legislation that made it illegal to use threats and bullying to stop a health worker from providing care to patients. It also prohibits actions that would prevent a person from obtaining health services or accessing health facilities.
“We urge the public to respect these laws and call on public safety and law enforcement officials to continue their vigilance in enforcing them,” said the three union leaders.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the senseless assaults in Halifax and their families.”
