BCNU President says Thursday’s shooting at Boundary District Hospital could have been much worse
By Boundary Sentinel
The victim was airlifted to a Vancouver-area hospital and his condition is unknown.
In a media release from the BC Nurses Union, President Gayle Duteil says while nurses and staff acted quickly and professionally during the frightening incident, it highlights the growing concern of violence and weapons in emergency rooms around the province.
“Our information tells us that this man entered the hospital through the ambulance bay, which is in the back of the hospital, and didn't say anything before he shot himself," Duteil explained.
"There wasn't a lot of forewarning and staff were caught off-guard. Of course they are extremely distraught as a result. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is nothing protecting our members and other front-line staff from this sort of violence. I fear that the problem is only going to get worse."
Grand Forks RCMP confirmed the shooting happened Thursday (January 12) at around 6 p.m.
Our police officers responded very quickly, says Corporal Janelle Shoihet Media Relations officer for the BC RCMP.
We recognize this was quite a traumatic event for those who witnessed it. However, I can confirm there was no additional risk to public.
Police officers investigated, and determined that no one else had suffered any injuries.
Shoihet said a weapon was seized at the hospital.
Shoihet said the man is now being treated for his injuries and is in stable condition.
RCMP Victim Services is providing support to members of the family, and will be offering the same to hospital staff members, and witnesses.
The BCNU said patients were moved from the emergency room to a safer location in the hospital while an ER physician and manager tended to the victim. Interior Health's crisis management team is presently assisting the nurses.
BCNU spoke to senior leadership at Interior Health Friday morning. They will be discussing partnering together to address the problem, such as developing more effective policies that better protect front-line hospital staff. However, this needs to involve all levels including the Ministry of Health and government resources.
Duteil says this incident might be something she'd expect to see at hospitals in larger centres, and that it highlights the fact that smaller communities aren't immune to the growing number of violent incidents.
“At many of these small hospitals, there isn't a security guard or any line of defence between the front door and the triage area," she says. "Sometimes locking the doors after hours is the only option."