To the editor:
Local reports are coming in strong that being a medical assistant, nurse or caregiver can be a very dangerous profession indeed.
Many nurses are facing increased violent assaults within their workplace.
Racial slurs
outright assaults
projectiles thrown
walking canes are risen and striking out in anger
Sexual assaults
Protests (sometimes violent) in front of the places they work
Personal vendetta developed between patient and caregiver.
Pandemic tensions have subjected hospital staff likened to a pressure cooker, stirring the pot into excessive stress, disdain, and workplace disillusionment. Union representatives like CUPE and Unifor have called for the presence of police within the hospital environment, and or hospital security to be located on each floor to protect their fellow employees.
78% of registered nurses, cleaners, clerical and other staff within the Canadian System have reported to their Union Representatives of violent or near-violent events within their workplace. They have reported being harassed or abused because of their race or appearance. In Ontario reported race-based violence was surveyed at a 71% level. In northern areas of Canada and USA hospital workers reported experiences of sexual harassment at a 53% level, while 60% of these workers experienced physical violence from patients, their families, and fellow staffers. All the while 65% of staffers have experienced an overall increase in violent incidents during the pandemic.
This of course has increased the overall depression and stress levels these professionals have been trained to deal with during normal times. 28% reported the use of guns and knives against staff. That is a full 10% increase from the national average.
If you look at the region of northern Ontario, you would find that 1767 staffers were sexually assaulted at work these past two years. The Premier and Provincial Government is unable to ignore this situation. The surge in violence against women, much of it racially motivated comes against a backdrop of unprecedented staff shortages and vacancies in Ontario Hospitals. Front line staff is often working alone, in circumstances where they are vulnerable to assault. In Kenora's Lake of the Woods Hospital the administration admitted to an increase of 300% in harassment of staffers. The Provincial Government of Ontario has tried to recruit new RPNs but the fruits of their efforts will not be for some time to come.
Patients and those ill are fearful of going to the hospital, fearing the toxic environment they may become lost in. Only strict zero policies towards any form of violence and abuse towards the staff can improve the situation, along with the implementation of staff security limits. Cameras within all hallways and rooms may be needed also. Staff members should not work alone, leaving themselves open to potential assaults. Institutional Policing will certainly become an issue for our struggling authorities.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
