The Manitoba government is launching a three-month pilot project that will see Long Plain First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) stationed at Portage District General Hospital to enhance safety and security for patients and front-line workers, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are accessing health care,” said Asagwara. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with our partners in Long Plain First Nation to enhance safety for the front lines, patients and the broader community. During the listening tour, we heard directly from the front-line workers about the challenges they are facing in terms of safety and security. We are responding to those concerns by increasing safety officer presence in health-care facilities throughout the province.”

Through the initiative, First Nation Safety Officers from Long Plain First Nation will patrol the hospital and its surrounding campus, parking lots and properties on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., added the minister.

“The safety and security of Long Plain First Nation members and businesses has always been of paramount importance to leadership,” said Chief David Meeches, Long Plain First Nation. “Years ago, we took it upon ourselves to form a security team with the best interest of the nation in mind. What started as a handful of band security officers quickly evolved into Arrowhead Security. Our nation is proud of the expansion and growth of our FNSO/security program.”

As peace officers trained in public safety, crime prevention and de-escalation techniques, the FNSOs will perform duties that enhance safety and security including:

• providing a welcoming service for patients, caregivers and support persons;
• screening for weapons, contraband and intoxicants;
• patrolling the exterior campus and parking lots;
• offering safe walk services for staff; and
• taking over the custody of patients from the RCMP that are being held under the Mental Health Act for medical and psychiatric assessment.

Institutional safety officers were first introduced at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg in April as part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to respond to safety concerns reported by staff during the front-line listening tour, noted the minister, adding the program has since expanded to a total of 105 funded positions located at HSC Winnipeg, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Selkirk Mental Health Centre.