Obituary And Death: patient who was receiving treatment at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) died by suicide on May 11, prompting an internal investigation and concerns about the safety of patients and staff at the hospital.
Thepatient, who was not named, had been transported to the mental health crisis response unit on Bannatyne Avenue on the HSC campus on Saturday and was receiving treatment on a hospital ward when they died by self-harm on Sunday.
According to Dr. James Bolton, the medical director of Shared Health crisis response services and HSC emergency psychiatry, supports were made available to the patient’s family and staff. Const. Jason Michalyshen, a spokesperson for the police department, stated that officers were dispatched to the crisis response centre on Saturday after a man who was in distress self-inflicted injury on himself. The officers assisted in bringing him under control and stabilizing him so that he could receive medical attention.
The patient underwent surgery at HSC and was then transferred to a unit for recuperation and further medical attention. However, on Sunday, the man assaulted at least one member of the staff and shortly after, committed suicide by inflicting injury on himself. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of both patients and personnel, as well as the potential measures that can be taken to prevent similar situations from occurring again.
The investigation is ongoing, and Michalyshen stated that police officers were not present during the event on Sunday but were informed about it. He refrained from making any additional comments regarding the incident. The purpose of the investigation is to ascertain the facts and provide suggestions with the intention of significantly lowering the probability that a similar occurrence would occur again.
The incidents occurred at a time when HSC staff members were already expressing concerns about the safety of the inner-city hospital and the areas surrounding it. According to sources in the healthcare industry, violence by employees is relatively widespread. The HSC has faced similar incidents in the past, and the hospital is taking steps to address the issue.
The patient’s death has had a profound impact on the hospital staff, and counseling services have been made available to those affected. The hospital is also reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure that patients receive the appropriate care and support. The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues, and the hospital is working to address these concerns.
The patient’s family has been notified, and the hospital is working to provide them with support and counseling during this difficult time. The hospital is also cooperating fully with the police investigation and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients and staff.
In light of the incident, the hospital is urging anyone who may be struggling with mental health issues to seek help. The hospital offers a range of mental health services, including crisis response and counseling, and can be reached at [insert contact information]. The hospital is also encouraging staff and patients to report any concerns or incidents to the appropriate authorities.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health support and the need for increased awareness and resources. The hospital is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all patients and staff, and is working to address the issues that contributed to this tragic incident.
