The Saskatchewan government will commission an independent, third-party review of hospital safety and security at the request of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The move follows concerns raised by staff and patients and a rise in the volume of protective services interventions.

The Ministry of Health will select a qualified expert capable of undertaking it as quickly as possible. The review will examine current practices and provide recommendations to help improve safety for patients, visitors and staff across all SHA facilities.

“The safety enhancements underway starting this week at several facilities will help ensure that goal is met so that we can put patients first,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “The independent review will give us an assessment of security currently in place at facilities and help identify improvements to support safer environments where people are providing and receiving care.”

The review will assess:

• Current Protective Services’ standards, best practices and delivery models;
• Opportunities to improve training, competencies, tools and infrastructure;
• Ways to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous organizations and other health system partners; and
• Lessons learned from past incidents to identify common themes and system-wide improvements.

The province has already installed metal detectors at emergency department entrances in Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford and Prince Albert. It has also issued a request for proposals for third-party security services at facilities in La Loche, Shellbrook, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Nipawin, Melfort and Kamsack, while an independent review shapes longer-term, systemwide changes.

“This independent review will ensure our security approaches continue to evolve to meet the needs of patients, families and staff, while reflecting best practices and cultural respect,” added SHA CEO Andrew Will. “We remain committed to accountability and to ensuring a safe care environment in SHA facilities.”