More than half of Manitoba physicians experienced abuse last month: Doctors Manitoba
A new survey is showing a disturbing trend for healthcare professionals across the province, with more and more doctors reporting instances of abuse.
The survey was done by Doctors Manitoba and polled around 4,000 physicians in the province about safety and mistreatment.
The results are still preliminary but show more than half of the doctors were the target of verbal abuse, threats, harassment or physical assault in the past month.
The physicians noted these types of incidents are happening more often than a year ago.
"I get it, right? People are frustrated, but again, channelling that fear and frustration and anger towards the very people that are there trying to help you is not acceptable," said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, president of Doctors Manitoba.
The survey found more than half of the instances of abuse were pandemic related.
Doctors Manitoba said the incidents are more frequent in rural areas, specifically in the Northern, Interlake and Southern regions.
A statement to CTV News from a Southern Health spokesperson said, "We know that our communities and the patients we serve are also grateful for the efforts of nurses, doctors and others on the front lines."
"However, as communities and families have debated vaccines and public health orders, and as COVID has stretched into a third and now a fourth wave, we recognize that everyone is tired, and many are frustrated."
"We would like to take this opportunity to gently remind everyone on the importance to remain kind and respectful in all health care encounters."
Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon spoke about the problem at a news conference Friday morning.
She said abuse towards physicians is not acceptable and won't be tolerated.
"We have to take these threats seriously. So if that means bringing in law enforcement and identifying the individuals, we need to do that because this behaviour is unacceptable in all forms," said Gordon.
Gordon said she will be speaking to the justice minister about possible solutions in the coming days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.