CAMH fined for failing to protect nurses

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has been fined $70,000 for two incidents in which patients attacked nursing staff at its Queen Street West facility in Toronto.

One incident occurred on Nov. 14, 2007, while the other was on Sept. 17, 2008

In one case, a patient assaulted three nurses in a locked unit while security guards stood outside.

"When they eventually got help and security came, security didn't even have access to the locked unit and [were] standing outside as nurses [were] being assaulted inside," said Linda Haslum-Stroud, president of the Ontario Nurses' Association.

"And the sad part is that one of the nurses from the 2007 incident is still undergoing multiple surgeries and probably will never work again."

CAMH pleaded guilty to violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

In each case, CAMH was fined $35,000, plus a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge.

But the ONA says safety problems continue at the facility.