Halifax Infirmary ER employees injured by patient with weapon

The department accepted critical emergencies and traumas for several hours.

Three employees in the emergency room at the Halifax Infirmary were injured by a patient with a weapon Wednesday afternoon, forcing the department to close except for critical emergencies and traumas.

Nova Scotia Health announced the temporary closure in a news release just before 3 p.m.

“Halifax Regional Police responded, and there is no ongoing threat,” the release said.

“We will provide an update when it reopens.”

A police news release posted on X said officers responded to a weapons complaint at the Infirmary, which is part of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, at about 1 p.m.

“Police have one person in custody, and there is currently no threat to public safety,” the 2:35 p.m. post said.

“Police remain on scene. A further update will be provided when available.”

Provincial Health Minister Michelle Thompson addressed the media during a news conference on Zoom at about 3:45 p.m.

“Earlier this afternoon, there was a serious incident at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department,” Thompson said in her opening statement.

“The threat has been contained, and police are on site. Staff are also on site to support patients and staff who witnessed this upsetting incident.

“I can’t provide details of an ongoing investigation, but I want everyone involved to know that I am thinking of them at this difficult time. I also want to reassure health-care and support staff at the Infirmary and across the province that we will continue to work with our health-care and union partners to make workplaces as safe as possible.

“I want to commend the staff for their quick response today in an incredibly difficult situation. I will be in close touch with Nova Scotia Health for updates as they become available.”

Thompson said a Code Silver – meaning someone has a weapon – was activated for the emergency department at 1 p.m.

“The information that I have right now is that three employees … were injured today by a patient,” she said.

She said she could not provide further details about the severity of the injuries, what the weapon was, or exactly where in the emergency department the incident took place.

Thompson refused to confirm a media report that the employees were stabbed with a knife.

“I don’t have any more information to share right now,” the minister said. “It is an active investigation. This incident happened this afternoon and we will share more information when we’re able.

“Halifax Regional Police are there. They have taken someone into custody, but that area now is a crime scene and we do need to allow them to do their work.

“We will work with them very closely and bring that service back on line as soon as we’re able.”

Asked what type of employees were injured, Thompson replied: “I’m not able to say. Three valuable staff at (the Infirmary) were injured. … We will wait to better understand who was involved, but it’s not something that I’m able to share right now.

“We just wish those individuals very well. We’re very concerned and very sorry that this happened.”

She again praised staff for their “incredibly quick response.”

“They activated help, they cared for their colleagues,” she said. “I can’t imagine the situation that they found themselves in today.”

A reporter asked the minister what the incident says about security at the hospital.

“We work very hard to prevent violence in our workplaces,” Thompson said. “I believe that the ongoing investigation will reveal any root causes and help us understand what happened today.”

 

UPDATE:
The hospital has since reopened and resumed normal operations as of 6pm.