3 people hurt by patient in ‘serious incident’ at Halifax emergency room

Three employees at the QEII Emergency and Trauma Centre in Halifax were hurt by a patient Wednesday in what Nova Scotia’s health minister is calling a “serious incident.”

Michelle Thompson said in a statement the department was subject to a “threat,” which has since been contained by Halifax Regional Police.

Karen Oldfield, interim president and CEO of Nova Scotia Health, said a Code Silver was called, and police took the patient into custody.

“I am saddened to share that earlier today, three employees at the QEII Emergency and Trauma Centre were injured by a patient in the department,” Oldfield said in a memo shared with Global News.

“While many of our healthcare teams are familiar with the intensity required for providing life-saving care, this incident has left many shaken. We are working closely with Halifax Regional Police as they investigate and working alongside our union partners to continue to provide safe workplaces.”

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Meanwhile, Thompson offered support in her statement.

“I want everyone involved to know that I am thinking of them at this difficult time,” she said.

“I also want to reassure our healthcare and support staff at the Infirmary and across the province that we will continue working with our healthcare and union partners to make workplaces as safe as possible.”

More to come.