January 30, 2025
Hi everyone,
Our hearts are with our fellow health care workers in Nova Scotia this morning following the tragic incident at the Halifax Infirmary Hospital Emergency Department yesterday, where three health care workers were injured in a stabbing. An event like this hits close to home for all of us. I wanted to check in with you today to reassure you that your safety and well-being are a top priority for me and for Health PEI.
Health PEI has a Provincial Violence Prevention Policy and Program. This program sets clear standards for reporting, investigating, and addressing workplace violence, while ensuring follow-up support is available to all health care workers. Incidents like this remind us we must use every tool and resource available to reduce the risk of violence and maintain a safe and supportive workplace.
We are actively implementing strategies to prevent workplace violence across all Health PEI sites. These efforts include:
- Infrastructure improvements
- Implementation of security resources in high-risk settings
- On-going staff training
- Swift response mechanisms to address inappropriate behaviour efficiently
Incidents like this can be difficult for many of us. I want to remind you that support is available. If you need assistance, please access the following resources:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – information can be found on the Staff Resource Centre
- MindBeacon iCBT - Information can be found on the Staff Resource Centre
- Your Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness Team – Contact information can be found on the Staff Resource Centre
- Your Site Leadership Team
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Lara MacMurdo, Director, Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness at lmacmurdo@ihis.org
Thank you so much for your amazing dedication and commitment to the health of Islanders. We want to make sure you’re taken care of, too.
Mel