Rimouski Hospital: Staff Refuse Work After Violent Assault, Security Concerns Rise

Concerns are mounting among staff at the Rimouski Regional Hospital following a violent assault that occurred several days ago, leading some employees to refuse their shifts.

Incident at the Emergency Department

Four hospital employees were injured in the night of Sunday to Monday while attempting to subdue a highly aggressive individual who presented at the emergency department. A “code white” – indicating a security threat – was activated. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Andrii Halyanovskyy, was arrested and has been charged with four counts of assault. He remains in custody, with a future court date scheduled for February 26th.

Did You Know? Andrii Halyanovskyy is reported to be a foreign student and has recently arrived in Quebec.

According to information obtained by Le Journal, Mr. Halyanovskyy is a student and has been in Quebec for a short period of time.

Security Measures and Staff Response

Gilles Turmel, spokesperson for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS-BSL), stated that additional security personnel were assigned to the emergency department on Monday and Tuesday. He confirmed that the emergency department is currently functioning normally and that the CNESST, Quebec’s workplace health and safety board, is on-site conducting an investigation. The CISSS-BSL is also evaluating its legal options.

However, many employees feel that the 48-hour period of increased security was insufficient. Dr. Marie-Hélène Cormier stated that a decision was made to remove security personnel during the night shift, despite requests from nursing and medical teams to maintain the service. As a result, nurses scheduled for the night shift refused to work.

Expert Insight: The refusal to work highlights the critical importance of perceived safety for healthcare professionals. When staff feel unprotected, it can lead to disruptions in care and raise serious questions about the adequacy of workplace security protocols.

Labor Dispute and Committee Formation

The incident led to a labor dispute, with the employer initially considering the work refusal a “sit-in” – an inappropriate method for resolving issues. However, the employer ultimately withdrew its request for intervention. A committee comprised of management, employees, and union representatives has been established to develop security measures and an intervention plan.

The FIQ union continues to advocate for a dedicated security guard during night shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the staff refusal to work?

Staff refused to work due to a decision to remove security personnel from the emergency department during the night shift following a violent assault on employees.

What action has been taken against the suspect?

Andrii Halyanovskyy, 28, has been arrested and charged with four counts of assault. He remains in custody with a court date scheduled for February 26th.

What is the CISSS-BSL doing in response to the incident?

The CISSS-BSL has assigned additional security personnel to the emergency department, is cooperating with a CNESST investigation, and is evaluating its legal options. A committee has also been formed to address security concerns.

How might hospitals balance the need for security with the demands of providing accessible healthcare?