Union calling for change after Winnipeg security guard attacked at HSC

A security guard at the Health Sciences Centre is recovering at home Friday after he was allegedly hit with a syringe possibly filled with blood.

Winnipeg police said they were called to the hospital around 4:40 p.m. Thursday on reports a man was fighting with security and threatening to return with a firearm.

As the guard tried to de-escalate the situation police said he was first sprayed with the syringe, then hit with it.

A spokesperson for MGEU, which represents security guards, said the man told the guard he was living with HIV.

MGEU said the syringe did not have a needle on it, but it did cut the guard’s forehead causing him to bleed.

The guard believes the syringe was filled with blood.

In a statement MGEU President Michelle Gawronski called for change.

“…security officers need to be given the tools to do the job that’s expected of them, whether that’s expanded training, special status to restrain and detain violent people, or to disarm those who bring weapons into the hospital,” the statement read.

“They don’t feel the employer has their back.”

While the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said its reviewing the incident and its taking it very seriously, a spokesperson for the WRHA also said its hospital security guards are highly trained and well equipped.

“HSC’s security team is not an entry-level force.  All officers have previous security experience, many with military or police training or as graduates of security colleges…” the WRHA statement said.

It also said every security officer receives annual refresher training both in-house and through the Winnipeg Police Academy.

Police arrested a 56-year-old shortly after Thursday’s incident and found a syringe with an ‘unknown substance’ in his pocket.

Wesley Daniel Benn has been charged with assault with a weapon.