The Ministry of Labour has laid three charges against Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to a stabbing at the hospital in April 2016.

The incident involved a 32-year-old patient who was charged with criminal offences after a nurse was stabbed with a screwdriver and three other employees were injured.

Waypoint said it will be taking some time to review the charges.

“Waypoint has not been involved in charges from the Ministry of Labour before so this is new for the hospital and we will need to take some time to understand the process,” the hospital said in a statement. “We are committed to working collectively to make improvements that support the health and safety needs of everyone.”

Waypoint also said they have worked very closely with the Ministry of Labour since the incident and have responded to all orders.

“Extensive safety measures and processes exist across our programs and we are continuously evaluating them and looking for ways to prevent unfortunate incidents like this one.”

The union representing Waypoint staff said the charges must lead to safer conditions.

“We welcome the charges but they won’t amount to much unless real, long-term solutions are found to ensure that employees and patients can move about freely inside the facility without fear of being harmed, or worse,” said Pete Sheehan, president of OPSEU Local 329.

OPSEU recommended a 10-point safety plan after the incident, but the union said its recommendations have not been implemented.

“Scarcely a day goes by when we don’t learn about another violent incident inside one of our mental health centres,” said OPSEU President Warren Thomas. “If convicted, management should ask itself whether they’re better off by paying fines or whether they should be putting that same money into better health and safety measures.” 

Waypoint said all health and safety issues are a priority and multiple supports are in place, including a Joint Health and Safety Committee, two Health and Safety Coordinators and a computerized internal incident reporting system for reporting, reviewing and developing strategies to mitigate hazards, incidents or other concerns.

The charges carry a maximum fine of $500,000. A first appearance in court is scheduled for April 6.