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The Saskatchewan Health Authority and Saskatchewan Union of Nurses have responded to reports of a sexual assault that allegedly took place in a hospital bathroom in Saskatoon.
The union says it’s raised safety issues before, and is now calling for “critical action.”
Police said a 14-year-old girl was threatened with a weapon outside the entrance of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital before being taken into a bathroom at the adjoining Royal University Hospital, where she was assaulted.
The suspect, a 43-year-old man from Black Lake, was detained by University of Saskatchewan security and is now facing charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference and unlawful confinement. He’s set to appear Monday in a Saskatoon courtroom.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) said it is aware of the incident, which it considers very serious.
“The SHA takes the care and safety of members of the public and the patients it serves very seriously. SHA Protective Services Staff work tirelessly to maintain the safety for everyone at all of our facilities. The SHA is working with the (Saskatoon Police Service) as it continues its investigation into this very serious matter,” the health authority said in a statement.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses said it has repeatedly brought forward concerns to the health authority about potential and actual safety issues relating to the proximity of adult and children’s emergency services at Royal University Hospital.
“We have previously recommended that the layout be evaluated to ensure greater separation and safety for children needing emergency services,” the union said.
“Registered nurses are very concerned about safety in the children’s emergency due to adult patients being just steps away and believe critical action is required.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the assault happened in a washroom at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Police have clarified the assault took place in a washroom at Royal University Hospital.
