First Nations Ombudsman Demands Inquiry into Hospital Security Practices

Concerns regarding the treatment of First Nations individuals in Saskatchewan hospitals have escalated, prompting the First Nations health ombudsman, Diane Lafond, to call for an independent inquiry into hospital security practices. Lafond raised alarms about what her office describes as “the growing number of harmful encounters” involving the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) security personnel and First Nations patients.

Lafond’s office has been actively addressing complaints, having received approximately 300 complaints over an 18-month period about various issues within the SHA. Currently, her office is managing more than 20 serious complaints specifically related to hospital security interactions with First Nations individuals. “While some investigations are complete and others ongoing, together they point to a clear and troubling pattern,” she stated.

The situation heightened following the death of Trevor Dubois, a 36-year-old cancer patient who died on January 9, 2023, after an incident involving security personnel at the Royal University Hospital. According to the Saskatoon police, drugs and an imitation firearm were found in Dubois’s room. However, his family refuted these claims, describing the firearm as merely a pink and yellow cigarette holder-lighter. The SHA reported that security was summoned after staff raised a safety concern and that a physical altercation ensued, resulting in Dubois becoming unresponsive.

In response to this incident, Lafond has urged for an immediate, independent inquiry into Dubois’s death, emphasizing the need for genuine involvement from First Nations representatives and collaboration with her office. She affirmed that First Nations individuals “deserve to feel safe, respected, and treated with dignity in hospitals.”

The Saskatchewan government has recently announced plans for a separate independent, third-party review of hospital safety and security, prompted by longstanding concerns expressed by the SHA. This review aims to evaluate the current security measures and explore opportunities for enhancing safety while fostering stronger partnerships with Indigenous organizations and health system stakeholders.

As part of its efforts to address safety concerns, the SHA has introduced metal detectors in the emergency department entrances of Royal University Hospital and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Additional metal detectors are scheduled for installation at other facilities, including the Regina Urgent Care Centre, Battlefords Union Hospital, and Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.

Following the altercation involving Dubois, Andrew Will, the CEO of SHA, confirmed that the security officer involved has been suspended while an independent review into the use of force is conducted. Will noted that protective service officers undergo over 100 hours of training focusing on de-escalation techniques and knowledge of the Criminal Code and Mental Health Services Act. He reiterated that while de-escalation is prioritized, the use of force may be deemed necessary in certain situations.

The issue of mistreatment of Indigenous patients in healthcare settings remains a pressing concern for First Nations organizations. Mark Arcand, Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in these facilities, stating, “The worse case scenario happened to Trevor and his family.”

As discussions continue, the call for systemic change within the healthcare system to ensure that First Nations people are treated with respect and dignity remains at the forefront of this ongoing dialogue.