'It was quite spectacular': LHSC brass marvel at staff professionalism during weekend shooting, improved security on the way

The provincially appointed supervisor at London Health Sciences Centre said improved security measures will be installed in the coming months at both the Victoria and University hospital sites.

It follows a shooting over the weekend outside the Victoria Hospital Emergency Department on Commissioners Road in London.

David Musyj told a Community Update meeting Wednesday that he was quite moved by the professionalism of the staff early Saturday morning under trying circumstances.

“The professionalism of the staff, the caring for each other as well as other patients at the time, and their focus on patients and patient care, they really didn’t miss a beat. And it was quite spectacular to sit back and watch it unfold,” explained Musyj.

The supervisor commented that there’s nothing unusual about treating gunshot victims at LHSC Emergency, but to have a shooting take place right outside the doors is quite extraordinary.

He said security improvements include a new system with advanced metal detectors, but he added that these are not like typical medical detectors, as they’re designed for the easy flow of patients.

“I wish I could wave a magic wand and prevent this from happening, either in the community or at the doorsteps of the hospital. We can’t. But what we can do is not turn a blind eye to it. Recognize it’s out there, recognize it’s there, and what can we do internally to try to minimize the risk,” said Musyj.

He wasn’t the only one impressed with how staff sprung into action with an active incident at their doorstep.

“I’ll acknowledge that this was a terrifying experience for many,” exclaimed Corporate Nursing Executive Deborah Wiseman. “It’s not lost on us that this is occurring with proximity to the care areas, including the wait room, and areas that they’re caring for other patients as well.”

Emergency Services Department Head/Interim Vice Chair, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Christie MacDonald said the impact was felt across the hospital organization.

“We are a two-sited organization, and both sites had the supports of the entire teams within the ED, but across the entire organization,” said Dr. MacDonald.

Musyj said further details about improved security will be coming shortly.