Rimouski Hospital Employees Boycott Work After Violent Attack, Demand Enhanced Night Security

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Hospital Staff Refuse Shifts Following Violent Assault in Rimouski

Rimouski,Quebec – A wave of concern and protest is sweeping through the Rimouski Regional Hospital after a violent attack left four staff members injured and prompted some employees to refuse their shifts. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has ignited a debate about hospital security and the protection of healthcare workers.

Details of the Attack

on the night of Sunday to Monday, hospital staff were confronted by an aggressive individual who presented at the emergency room. A “code white” – indicating a possibly violent situation – was initiated as staff attempted to manage the situation. The suspect,identified as 28-year-old Andrii Halyanovskyy,a foreign student recently arrived in Quebec,was afterward arrested and faces four counts of assault. he remains in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for february 26th.

Temporary security Measures Deemed Insufficient

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, additional security personnel were deployed to the emergency department for a 48-hour period. While appreciated, many staff members felt this temporary increase in security was inadequate. Dr. Marie-Hélène Cormier expressed strong support for colleagues who refused to work the night shift after the 48-hour security enhancement was lifted, stating a final decision had been made to remove security personnel despite concerns from medical and nursing teams.

Labor Dispute and Committee Formation

The refusal to work was initially considered a “sit-in” by the employer, leading to intervention from the Administrative Labor Tribunal. However, the employer ultimately withdrew its request for intervention. A joint committee, comprised of management, employees, and union representatives, has been established to develop improved security measures and an intervention plan to address staff concerns.

Union demands for Enhanced Security

The FIQ union continues to advocate for a permanent security guard presence during night shifts at the hospital. This demand underscores a growing trend of concern regarding the safety of healthcare workers, especially in emergency departments, which often experience high volumes of patients and individuals in crisis.

the Rising Threat to Healthcare workers

Incidents of violence against healthcare professionals are on the rise globally. According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare workers face a considerably higher risk of workplace violence than employees in most other sectors. Factors contributing to this increase include rising patient acuity, staffing shortages, and the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse issues. A 2023 report by Becker’s Hospital Review highlighted a 67% increase in reported assaults against hospital staff between 2020 and 2022.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Incident Date	Night of Sunday to Monday
Suspect’s Name	Andrii Halyanovskyy
Suspect’s Age	28
Injured Staff	Four employees
Next Court Date	February 26th

The situation in Rimouski highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security protocols in healthcare settings.Beyond physical security measures, such as increased staffing and improved access control, healthcare institutions must invest in de-escalation training for staff and address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to violence.

What steps can be taken to better protect healthcare workers from violence? Should there be a standardized national protocol for hospital security?

This is a developing story.Stay tuned for updates.

How is Rimouski Hospital addressing the safety concerns raised by employees after the violent assault?

Rimouski Hospital Employees Boycott Work After Violent Attack, Demand Enhanced Night Security

the Situation Unfolds: A Breakdown of the Incident

On January 29th, 2026, employees at the Rimouski regional Hospital initiated a work boycott following a violent assault on a nursing aide during the overnight shift. Details released by the Sûreté du Québec indicate the aide was attacked by a patient while providing routine care. The incident has sparked widespread concern regarding hospital security protocols, especially during nighttime hours, and ignited a strong response from the hospital’s unionized staff. the boycott,impacting non-emergency services,is a direct response to what employees describe as a long-standing lack of adequate security measures.

Employee Demands: A Focus on safety and Support

The core demands of the boycotting employees, represented by the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS-CSQ), center around a comprehensive overhaul of nighttime security at the hospital. Specific requests include:

* Increased Security Personnel: A critically important increase in the number of trained security guards on duty during overnight shifts. Employees are advocating for a minimum of two guards per floor, particularly in high-risk units like the emergency department and psychiatric ward.

* Enhanced Training: Mandatory de-escalation training for all hospital staff, equipping them with the skills to manage potentially volatile situations and minimize the risk of physical altercations. This includes training on recognizing warning signs of aggression and effective communication techniques.

* Improved Alarm Systems: Installation of panic buttons in patient rooms and strategic locations throughout the hospital, allowing staff to quickly summon assistance in emergency situations. A review of the current alarm system’s response times is also requested.

* Risk Assessments: Regular and thorough risk assessments of all patient cases, identifying individuals who may pose a threat to staff or other patients. This details should be readily accessible to all relevant personnel.

* Mental Health Support: Increased access to mental health support services for employees who experience or witness violent incidents. The trauma associated with such events can have lasting psychological effects.

The Hospital’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations

hospital administration has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and expressed their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by employees. Initial statements from the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Bas-Saint-Laurent (CIUSSSBSL) indicated a willingness to negotiate, but emphasized the need to balance employee safety with the provision of essential healthcare services.

Negotiations between the CIUSSSBSL and the FSSS-CSQ are currently underway, mediated by a representative from the Quebec Labor Board. As of January 30th, 2026, a resolution has not been reached, and the boycott continues to disrupt certain hospital operations.The CIUSSSBSL has implemented contingency plans to minimize the impact on patient care, including the postponement of some non-urgent procedures and the reallocation of staff resources.

Similar Incidents Across Canada: A Growing Trend

The Rimouski incident is not isolated. Across Canada, healthcare workers are increasingly facing violence in the workplace. Data from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) reveals a significant rise in reported incidents of verbal and physical assault against nurses and other healthcare professionals in recent years.

* Ontario: In 2025, nurses at several hospitals in Ontario staged protests demanding increased security measures following a series of violent attacks.

* British Columbia: A 2024 report by the Health Employers Association of British Columbia highlighted the need for improved workplace violence prevention programs in healthcare settings.

* Alberta: The United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) has been actively advocating for legislation to protect healthcare workers from violence and harassment.

These incidents underscore a systemic problem within the healthcare system, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect those who provide essential care.

The Role of Technology in enhancing hospital Security

Beyond increased personnel and training, technology can play a crucial role in improving hospital security. Several innovative solutions are being implemented in hospitals across North America:

* Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): RTLS technology uses tags to track the location of staff and patients, enabling rapid response to emergencies.

* Video Analytics: AI-powered video analytics can detect suspicious behavior and alert security personnel to potential threats.

* Wearable Safety devices: Wearable devices equipped with panic buttons and GPS tracking can provide staff with an added layer of security.

* Access Control Systems: Restricting access to sensitive areas of the hospital can help prevent unauthorized entry and reduce the risk of violence.

Legal Considerations: Employer Duty and Duty of Care

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working habitat for their employees. Under Quebec’s Act respecting occupational health and safety, the CIUSSSBSL is legally obligated to take reasonable steps to protect its employees from workplace violence. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, including fines and legal action. The concept of “duty of care” extends to assessing and mitigating foreseeable risks, which, in the context of a hospital, includes the potential for violent incidents.

Impact on Patient Care: Balancing Safety and Access

While employee safety is paramount, the ongoing boycott is inevitably impacting patient care.The postponement of non-urgent procedures and the reallocation of staff resources are creating delays and potentially compromising the quality of care. Finding a sustainable solution that addresses the concerns of employees while ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services is a critical challenge for the CIUSSSBSL. Obvious communication with patients and the public is essential during this period