Attack at Canadian Hospital Leads Nurses Union to Demand Safer Work Conditions

ST. JOHN, New Brunswick, Canada — The New Brunswick Nurses Union are demanding safer work conditions following an altercation with a patient at Saint John Regional Hospital, in which staff members were assaulted.

The alleged incident occurred on Jan. 13 in the neuro-intensive care unit. During the confrontation with a patient, four nurses and one physician sustained injuries. By the time police arrived on the scene, the unnamed patient had already been restrained, CTV Atlantic reports.

Representatives for the nurses’ union said the incident was predictable and preventable, noting that they had raised safety concerns with Horizon Health Network, but have yet to see any changes.

CBC News reported that some nurses would like access to panic buttons, and said the hospital could do a better job of screening patients and making sure the information is shared with those at risk.

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