Staff chased bolting patient

What could have turned out to be a tragic day for staff and patients at the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital ended peacefully late Saturday evening.

A patient deemed dangerous to himself and the public escaped from a ward of the hospital noon Saturday.

“A member of the staff was coming onto the ward when the patient just bolted out the door,” said Ginnette, Nurse Coordinator and spokesperson for the Hospital.

“Immediately the staff started to chase the individual in the building which led to a chase on the grounds, but once he took off in the bush we stopped at that point it becomes too dangerous for staff, and the police were notified.”

The nurse- manager, who asked that her last name not be used, also told Baytoday.ca that once the police are notified the search is then out of their hands.

“The police began the land search and they had the helicopter and dogs. They located him in the woods later in the evening cold, wet and tired but safe and sound.” said Ginnette.

While such an occurrence is not typical, the nurse- manager informs Baytoday.ca there is always concern for the safety of everyone involved in cases such as this for the other patients, the staff and police officials.

“It went very smooth. Of course our other patients were curious with the helicopter and all, but it all went very well. No time was lost and it was concluded in a timely manner.” states Ginnette.