The BC Nurses Union is demanding more security guards for the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital after a nurse was assaulted Tuesday by a patient.
The nurse was trying to de-escalate an argument between two patients when he was punched in the head, according to BCNU president Gayle Duteil. He was treated in hospital and is now recovering at home.
"It was unprovoked, unpredictable and really unacceptable," Duteil said.
There were 13 assaults reported last month at the Colony Farm facility, a rate that Duteil said is fairly common.
"It's a very difficult facility, there's no question, but the health authority has not done enough to recognize the uniqueness of the facility," Duteil said.
"It's a tertiary psychiatric hospital but I use the term 'hospital' loosely. It provides health care to individuals undergoing psychiatric assessment who have been charged in the criminal system. It's a very, very dangerous place to work, yet there continues to be very little security for nurses."
Duteil said nursing is the "most dangerous job in the province," with nurses under fire in all sectors of the health care system.
The BCNU wants there to be security guards in all units of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, not just the few who are stationed at the front door to check incoming visitors.
Angela Draude, provincial executive director with the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, said security officers are on site and available 24/7 via a panic alarm.
"We certainly know there's more that can be done in terms of education and managing the risk that clients may pose," she said, including through educational opportunities for psychiatric nurses to manage the treatment relationship with forensic psychiatric patients.
Draude said the nurses' union brought up some good suggestions that the health authority is willing to consider but more security may not always be the answer.
"Bringing more security officers may increase the risk because of their presence on the unit," Draude said. "Are we willing to talk about it? Absolutely."
Coquitlam RCMP confirmed they received a report of an alleged assault at the facility and an investigation is ongoing.
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