Incident at Charlottetown's QEH ends without injuries

Code Silver issued in emergency department when patient became agitated, made threats with a pencil

A person became agitated and made threats with a pencil at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's emergency department on April 22. A Code Silver was declared, but there were no injuries. - SaltWire file

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital had an incident in the emergency department on April 22.

Health P.E.I. said in an email statement that the hospital issued a Code Silver in the early hours when a patient in the department became agitated and began to make threats with a weapon, in this case, a pencil.

Code White is when there is an aggressive person in a hospital. It becomes a Code Silver if that person has a weapon. In this case, the patient was making threats with a pencil, so it became a Code Silver.

Health P.E.I. indicated that hospital security responded and called in support from Charlottetown Police Services, who were able to safely subdue the patient without injury.

Security in the emergency department had been increased in January 2024, said Health P.E.I., with the hiring of additional enhanced security personnel who have higher levels of training and experience.

Health P.E.I. immediately met with the involved staff to debrief how the incident was handled. Staff have been provided with support as would happen after any traumatic event. No changes to the security protocol have been implemented.

Recent review

Environmental Violence Risk Assessments (EVRAs) are done regularly within Health P.E.I. facilities, including several over the years within the emergency department and a recent review in January before the opening of the Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit (MHA EDSSU).

In keeping with its commitment to patient and staff safety, an ERVA is proceeding as planned to review changes since the opening of the MHA EDSSU.

Health P.E.I. works continuously with staff to prevent and prepare for potential violent incidents, including tabletop exercises and training in non-violent crisis intervention.

“We are in regular discussions with unions about any incident involving violence and safety,” said Dave Atkinson, senior communications staff with Health P.E.I., told SaltWire in an email statement. “The safety of our staff is vitally important.”

Dave Stewart is a reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at dave.stewart@theguardian.pe.ca and followed on X @DveStewart.