Saskatchewan launches independent review of hospital safety

The Saskatchewan government has launched an independent, third-party review of hospital protective services and incident handling after recent violent incidents; the Saskatchewan Health Authority is also rolling out metal detectors and hiring 51 new protective service workers.

The provincial government has announced an independent, third-party review of hospital protective services across Saskatchewan. Officials said the review will examine how incidents are handled, how protective services operate and how safety can be strengthened while maintaining culturally safe care environments. The move follows recent violent incidents that prompted calls from health workers and unions for stronger measures. The Ministry of Health will select who leads the review, and officials said it will be carried out as quickly as possible. Key facts: - The review was announced by Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill and is intended to take a broad look at protective services, incident response and partnerships with Indigenous organizations. - Officials noted the last security review was in 2018 and said changes in patient needs and interactions make an update necessary. - The Saskatchewan Health Authority has begun installing metal detectors at several emergency departments and plans further rollouts; the province will hire 51 new protective service workers and the cost for detectors and staffing is reported as $3 million. - Recent events cited by officials include a death during an altercation earlier this month and an armed entry at a hospital in November, which increased calls for safety reviews and measures. Summary: The review aims to assess system-wide practices and strengthen safety measures while keeping culturally respectful care a focus. The Ministry of Health will choose the review lead; the timeline for the review is undetermined at this time.