Safety at HSC Winnipeg
Safety and security for our patients and staff is a top priority for HSC Winnipeg. Security Services employ full-time security officers as well as GardaWorld officers. Our officers routinely patrol the HSC campus and work closely with the Winnipeg Police Service on issues that face our neighbourhood.
Your Safety at HSC – What’s New and What You Can Expect
At HSC, the safety of everyone who comes through our doors—patients, families, visitors, and staff—is our top priority.
To strengthen safety on our campus, we’ve worked closely with experts from the Winnipeg Police Service, the Office of the Fire Chief, Environmental Risk Assessment, and Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health (OESH).
Together with Shared Health and HSC leadership, these experts have guided a number of updates designed to make our spaces safer and help everyone feel more secure.
What new safety measures are being introduced?
You may notice several new safety features and supports around HSC, including:
Police presence: Two uniformed Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers will be patrolling HSC and the emergency department 24/7, working in collaboration with HSC’s Institutional Safety Officers and Shared Health security teams to protect staff, patients, and visitors.
Weapons detection scanners: Five scanners have arrived and will be installed soon, along with amnesty lockers for secure item drop-off.
Campus-Wide Notification System: A campus-wide notification system has been launched to quickly share safety alerts and important updates.
Updated safety procedures: Our Hold and Secure policies have been refreshed, with staff training underway to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Faster communication: New protocols help our Institutional Safety Officers (ISOs) and HSC Paging Operators quickly share security information when needed.
Improved visitor screening: We’ve strengthened screening at main entrances so everyone can feel confident about who’s entering the facility.
Alarm testing and signage: All panic alarms and overhead speakers have been tested, and new signs and maps have been added so people can easily find safety points in tunnels and hallways.
What’s changing at HSC entrances and access points?
We’ve taken a close look at all public entrances to make sure access is convenient while maintaining safety.
| Entrances | Doors Open | Staffed Security Times |
|---|---|---|
| 771 Bannatyne (Psych) | Daily 0600-2030 | 24/7 |
| 700 William | Daily 0600-2030 | 24/7 |
| 665 William (Women’s Hospital) | Daily 0600-2030 | 24/7 |
| 820 Sherbrook (Main Entrance) | Daily 0600-2030 | 24/7 |
| 840 Sherbrook (Children’s Hospital) | Mon-Fri 0630-1700 | 0630-1700 |
| 800 Sherbrook (Rehab Hospital) | Mon-Fri 0700-1700 | 0630-1700 |
Other improvements include:
All-HSC security team – HSC’s own trained security staff are now stationed at 700 William, 685 William, and 771 Bannatyne. The remaining access points will transition over the next few months.
Visible presence – Institutional Safety Officers are conducting regular patrols, especially during busy times like shift changes.
Secure parkades – New roll-up doors and swipe card access have been added at the William Avenue parkade, with more to come at Emily and Tecumseh parkades.
How will I know how to reach Security or get help if I need it?
We’ve made it easier to find safety information and get help quickly:
Security and Safe Ride/Walk phone numbers are now posted across campus, on the HSC intranet, and on digital monitors in elevators and parkades.
The campus-wide notification system provides real-time alerts if there’s a situation affecting the campus.
New tunnel maps and signs show the location of panic alarms and help guide you to safe exits and routes.
What’s new with the Safe Ride / Safe Walk program?
Your safety when moving around campus matters to us. You’ll now see newly marked security vehicles for the Safe Ride program. Electronic tracking helps us monitor Safe Ride trips for quicker response and better service. The program continues to offer safe escorts for anyone traveling between campus buildings or parking areas, especially after dark or during quiet times.
Security Services – 24hr Dispatch
Call to Report suspicious activity or safety concerns;
Call to Request Safe Walk/Ride to parkades or bus stops within the HSC campus:
- All areas except PsycHealth: 204-787-4567
- PsycHealth only: 204-787-5000
University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus
Non-emergency phone number: 204-789-3330
UM Security Site
HSC Maps
Tunnel Map – includes locations of panic alarms in the tunnels
All HSC Maps – detailed hallway map, campus map, tunnel map, map of HSC Women’s Hospital, list of building names and addresses
HSC Security Improvements from Shared Health on Vimeo.
Weapon Detectors
For the safety of staff, patients, and visitors, weapon detectors are being trialed at health facility entrances, including HSC.
Before entering for care — or to visit — you may be asked to walk through a scanner.
Weapons and other items that may cause harm are not allowed inside the facility.
Secure lockers in the Adult Emergency Department, however, we ask that you not bring any prohibited items with you when you seek care — or visit.
Provide feedback on the weapon detectors to help us improve your experience at HSC.
Staying Safe on Campus
- Stay vigilant when coming to and leaving the HSC campus.
- When walking to your car or the bus, be aware of your surroundings (unplug headphones and keep off your phone)
- Walk with a buddy if possible
- Park in well-lit areas, and keep valuables out of sight.
- Report suspicious activity or incidents to security as soon as possible
Institutional Safety Officers
- 40 security team members have completed training and be working across the HSC campus, including at Crisis Response Centre, as Institutional Safety Officers.
- The ISOs are stationed at the areas of highest reported violence, including areas that support emergency care and mental health services.
- ISOs are trained on — and equipped with — OC Pepper Gel. They have also been trained to use naloxone.
Parking Upgrades
There have been many upgrades to HSC’s parkades recently. Additional lights and cameras have been installed in the Pearl, Emily, Notre Dame, and McDermot parkades. The William Ave. Parkade now has 24/7 security as well as improvements to stairwell access, lighting, and cameras.
Personal Alarms
All staff are provided with a personal alarm during orientation. If you did not receive one at onboarding, or you need to replace a lost alarm, contact your manager.
Panic Alarm Stations
There over 500 panic alarm stations throughout campus to use in the event of an emergency.
These alarms will connect you with security and trigger an immediate response.
HSC Tunnel Map – includes locations of panic alarms in the tunnels
Reporting Incidents
To report a concern or suspicious activity, ensure it is safe to do so and contact 204-787-4567
