Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Hospital incident

SHA finds fault with response in hospital incident, guards no longer allowed to work at SHA facilities

Dec 19, 2025 | 1:35 PM

A look into the actions of several security guards that were involved in a December 11 incident at the Victoria Hospital has found fault with their actions.

“The review determined that the actions taken by the contracted security officers involved did not meet SHA standards or align with our values and philosophy of care,” said the SHA in an emailed statement on December 19.

The guards worked for a contracted security company which has now been told that those three guards are not allowed to work at any SHA facility, including the Victoria Hospital.

“The SHA is working closely with our security provider to ensure adherence to SHA’s operational standards and philosophy of patient-centred care,” said the SHA.

Video was shared on local social media of an Indigenous man being taken from the hospital in wheelchair. A second video shared by the same person showed the man laying in the snow at Victoria Square, not far from the hospital.

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Police were called and began investigating, which determined the man, who was intoxicated, had been causing a disturbance inside the emergency room before he was removed.

Witnesses said the man was being both disruptive and abusive in the emergency room, and security members stepped in after the man started “destroying the place.”

The Prince Albert Grand Council and FSIN called for investigations afterward as the man is Indigenous.

The SHA said they are committed to the spirit of reconciliation and have met with the PAGC to discuss their concerns. Their contractors are expected to be culturally responsive just like their staff.

“This includes a clear commitment to patient and family centered care, culturally safe and responsive care, and to addressing and opposing racism in all its forms, including Indigenous specific racism,” they said.

A meeting has already happened between the SHA and representatives from the PAGC and their concerns will be part of the SHA response.

An Indigenous patient liaison will be placed within the emergency department at the hospital and better connections will be made with community-based organizations to provide better help to those who need other types of care than the hospital can provide.

The man was picked up by Mobile Crisis and taken elsewhere for help. The YWCA, which provides shelter services to specific groups, pointed out that having a Complex Needs Facility open would have been one solution. Such a facility is planned but will not open until this spring.

Response from the security company

In a statement provided to paNOW, GardaWorld said they understand the concerns around the incident at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.

“This incident does not reflect our organization’s established practices to providing security services in healthcare settings. Our organization has deep experience supporting healthcare environments, and our service model is grounded in a patient-centric and culturally responsive approach. We take this matter seriously, recognize and empathize with the concerns raised and will be taking measures to ensure an aligned approach moving forward.”

The company did not confirm whether the security officers in question remain employed.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com