Montreal Hospital Assembles Emergency Measures Task Force

Montreal Hospital Assembles Emergency Measures Task Force

The Douglas Mental Health University Institute has assembled a task force to look at ways to increase safety and security at the facility.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • June 20, 2019

The Douglas Mental Health University Institute has assembled a task force to increase safety and security at the facility following an incident this spring in which a patient allegedly attacked two hospital staff members.

The Emergency Measures Task Force plans to make the purchasing of metal detectors for the hospital a priority. It will also look into other ways the hospital can increase security, and the hospital has applied for government funds to increase security as well.

The Douglas Mental Health University currently has a metal detector installed at the front entrance of the building. There is also an intercom in the Intensive Care Unit.

The Montreal West Island health authority (IUHSSC), which oversees the facility, said the task force will work to increase security for patients as well as employees.

"It's important to keep in mind that describing individuals living with mental health issues as violent contributes to their stigmatization," IUHSSC said in a statement. "These are among the most vulnerable members of our society and it is for precisely those reasons that we provide them with the care and services they need."

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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