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Hamilton’s St. Joesph’s healthcare has released the findings of a peer review that looked into violence against nurses involving patients with mental health issues. The report commends St. Joe’s for their efforts to promote safety but made six broad recommendations to strengthen their prevention strategies.

The report was conducted by a doctor and two nurses from Toronto who analyzed the team’s current approach to violent attacks and the impact on staff. The third-party review includes six categories of recommendations ranging from enhancing training, better communication with staff about attacks and the president of the hospital says they are going ahead with all of them. The peer reviewers looked back on 6 recorded attacks at St. Joe’s this year that ended with staff injuries. The review said the hospital has already taken significant strides since the attacks earlier this year and the union representing registered practising nurses welcomes these changes but says more needs to be done.

“It does not address the staffing levels that are needed to solve the problem instead it looks at managing the problem.” Domenic Dipasquale.

After speaking to an injured staff member the report notes that they need more support. After a violent attack staff shared their perception that they were not permitted to talk about the incident and were reluctant to share with peers.

“I’m sorry and disappointed that some staff feel that way, most staff in my opinion don’t.” Dr. David Higgins.

But the union president agrees with the report. While the union is concerned about the number of nursing jobs at St. Joe’s an email from the hospital late this afternoon says the report and it’s recommendations have nothing to do with staffing. It was based on the methods used to provide care.