Covenant Health Provides Security at St. Joseph’s General Hospital

Covenant Health Provides Security at St. Joseph’s General Hospital

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Hospital security is now being provided at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville. That information was verified by Covenant Health following an inquiry by the Vegreville News Advertiser.

Covenant Health Communications Manager Karen Diaper released a statement saying, “Since April 15, Paladin Security has been providing support to our teams daily between the hours of 10pm-7am. We are grateful for their presence and support and are pleased to welcome them as an integral part of our team at St Joseph’s General Hospital.”

(News Advertiser / File Photo)

Diaper said security at St. Joseph’s General Hospital and all Covenant Health sites is reviewed on a regular basis. “As part of that review process, we are pleased to share we are working in collaboration with Paladin Security to support St. Joseph’s General Hospital.”

Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, stated that the town had been asking for security at the hospital for the past two and a half years.

At that time, MacPhee said the town and Alberta Health asked the doctors what their main concern at this facility was, and security for the staff was their biggest concern. “There were other concerns but this one seemed that it was an easy fix at the time to hire a guard.”

MacPhee said the doctors and everybody else are very happy. I want to thank Covenant Health and Alberta Health, whoever was in on the decision making, to finally go ahead because the safety of those workers was always our main concern.”

S/Sgt Terry Hyggen said, “The Vegreville Detachment is pleased that security measures have been implemented at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Having on-site security will not change our response or service, however, I anticipate more efficient communication and information sharing.”

Even though it will not impact response or service by members, S/Sgt Hyggen said it will be of benefit in terms of visibility and communication. “It’s too early to know the full impact, however, I do believe this will provide an added layer of security for hospital staff.”