More hospitals added to SHA security plan

Jul 31, 2026 | 12:03 PM

Contracted security officers will soon be added to more hospitals in Saskatchewan, including sites in Melfort, Nipawin, and La Loche.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said contracted protective services that were tested in Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Lloydminster last year are being made permanent and expanded to five more communities.

“The safety of Saskatchewan Health Authority patients and their families, employees, physicians, volunteers, and our communities is our top priority,” Rod MacKenzie, executive director of provincial clinical and support services-community care for the SHA, said in a news release.

The SHA said the enhanced service is meant to improve the response to violence in health facilities through prevention, de-escalation, and a physical response when needed to support care teams.

The expansion includes La Loche, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, and Melfort. The SHA said plans for Kamsack, Weyburn, and Shellbrook have been delayed because of collective bargaining requirements and technical issues involving CUPE.

Safety

More hospitals added to SHA security plan

56m ago

Economy

Economy grew 0.3% in May, on track for solid Q2 rebound: StatCan

3h ago

Home Sweet Home

A look inside the athletes' village at the Tony Cote Summer Games

19h ago

The Corps of Commissionaires was selected through a procurement process to provide the additional third-party security. Officers are expected to begin working in Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Melfort, and La Loche throughout August.

Vince Ashmeade, SHA director of protective services and emergency management, said the measures are focused on protection.

“Health-care workers deserve to feel safe in their workplace, and patients should feel secure when accessing care,” Ashmeade said.

The SHA said it is also participating in an external review of protective services protocols announced by the Ministry of Health earlier this year. The review is expected to look at hospital safety and security across the province.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

More hospitals added to SHA security plan

What's Trending