Security Services
The safety and security of patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and anyone else at any of our sites is of paramount importance for Prairie Mountain Health (PMH).
We recognize that no single security solution will prevent all incidents. Prairie Mountain Health is committed to providing positive and safe workplaces for employees and secure, welcoming environments for patients, clients and Residents.
Security Officers
Currently, security officers are staffed in base locations across the region in the following locations:
- Brandon Regional Health Centre
- Brandon 7th Street Health Access Centre
- Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic
- Dauphin Regional Health Centre
- Russell Health Centre
- Swan Valley Health Centre
- Virden Health Centre
Officers provide services to all PMH sites within these respective communities including Personal Care homes and community programs. Security guards can also be dispatched or temporarily reassigned to sites in other communities across the region to provide security support as required.
Security officer roles
Security officers perform a variety of roles to assist in site safety and security including:
- Emergency response code
- Violence prevention and response
- Facility and grounds patrols
- CCTV monitoring
- Safe walk program for staff and public
- Client/visitor way-finding support
- Incident investigation and reporting
Institutional Safety Officers (ISOs)
ISOs are licensed as Peace Officers under the authority of Manitoba Justice and the Police Services Act. BRHC was identified as one of six health sites in Manitoba for initial implementation aimed at improving the health centre’s ability to keep everyone safe.
In health-care environments, they have additional training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, search and investigation, powers of arrest and detention, and other important skills. They also have training which allows them to accept a mental health patient from the police and then secure and protect them until seen by healthcare professionals.
Safety Practices within Prairie Mountain Health
Safe Walk
Our security service offers safe walks for staff, patients/clients, volunteers and visitors to and from vehicles in our parking lots. Additionally, security patrols our parking lots on a regular basis.
Closed-circuit camera surveillance (CCTV)
We have closed-circuit camera surveillance in several of our sites across the region.
Amnesty Lockers
Amnesty Lockers are secure, visible storage lockers provided at security checkpoints, allowing people to check their bags, helping to limit risk of weapons and other potentially dangerous items being brought inside the hospital.
Lockers are currently available in two of our healthcare facilities, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Swan Valley Health Centre. Plans are underway to have lockers installed at Dauphin Regional Health Centre in February 2026.
Access to buildings
PMH has implemented access control in all sites, limiting the number of entry points to maintain accountability of those entering our facilities. Some sites also have card reader or keypad access entrances ensuring only employees can access secure areas.
Visitor registration
At several acute care sites in the region, a new safety initiative will be implemented soon where visitors will be asked to register with security before they enter and leave the facility.
Safe App
PMH has launched the Safe smartphone app for all staff, students & volunteers at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) and all long-term care facilities and community-based programs serviced by the BRHC Security Team. The app enables users to receive notifications when there is a recognized threat in the facility or nearby. The app also allows a direct connection to BRHC security, lets users request Safe Walks, and other app features.
Staff Safety Huddles
Prairie Mountain Health supports the use of regular staff safety huddles in all facilities and programs, to enhance awareness of safety topics and foster a culture of safety among health care providers.
The information collected during safety huddles, is used to identify opportunities for improvement.
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Prairie Mountain Health operates with a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) for staff training and policy. The policy ensures that:
- Health, safety, welfare, and dignity is respected, protected and promoted.
- Risks of violence are identified, and appropriate prevention measures, controls, and practices are established that eliminate or minimize those risks.
- Documented procedures are established to identify and address specific hazards and the associated risks for each workplace or area.
- Workers are trained in and follow the safety procedures to prevent and respond to violence-related incidents.
- Workers are empowered to make and act on decisions regarding the risk of violence to protect themselves and others.
Staff work alone plan
Safe work for staff who work in isolation is guided by PMH’s Working Alone policy which promotes the development of individual safe work plans.
Personal Alarms and Safety Whistles
Personal panic alarms and safety whistles are available to staff at some sites in the region. The impact of these initiatives will be monitored for effectiveness and identify further enhancements in the working environments.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Program & Training
The role of the PMH Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Program is to protect staff, patients, visitors and anyone else in our facilities in any situation that may arise.
The Prairie Mountain Health Emergency Response Messaging System (ERMS) is used to alert staff of an emergency or disaster situation at a PMH facility.
Policies and procedures
Prairie Mountain Health security policies and protocols are in place to ensure consistent measures across our operations. By implementing these consistent protocols, we mitigate risk and foster a cohesive culture of safety.