The safety and security of all patients, staff, visitors and partners is a top priority for the Northern Health Region.
Security guards are present 24/7 at each of our hospitals with active inpatient units, including Thompson General Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, and Flin Flon General Hospital. Thompson General Hospital will soon have Institutional Safety Officers (ISO’s) on site 24/7 as well.
Code White protocols are in place for staff, so that incidents involving patients or visitors can be responded to right away by trained security personnel.
The Northern Health Region’s Regional Security program has continued to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening the safety of staff, patients, and visitors across our facilities.
Two key updates to security services at Thompson General Hospital (TGH) are occurring in March, 2026:
- The Security team has expanded to include Institutional Safety Officers (ISO’s) who are now actively working and patrolling on site.
- Effective Wednesday, March 25th Access Management will be implemented at the main entrance. All patients, visitors, and members of the public will enter through a designated security checkpoint. The Emergency Department entrance will no longer be used for public access and will remain secured.
These enhancements are intended to support a safe and welcoming environment, while also providing guidance and direction to individuals entering the facility.
Institutional Safety Officers (ISO’s)
As of March 2026, five full-time ISO positions have been established on-site at TGH providing coverage seven days a week during daytime hours. As recruitment and training continue, the goal is to establish 24/7 coverage with two ISOs on shift, alongside existing Security Officers.
ISOs are licensed as Peace Officers and, in health-care environments, have additional training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, search and investigative skills, evidence collecting and report writing. They also have training which allows them to accept a mental health patient from the police and then secure and protect them until they are seen by healthcare professionals. ISOs are now transferring patients from the RCMP under the Mental Health Act (MHA).
Security Officers remain an essential part of the team, with a continued focus on site safety, monitoring, and access control. Enhancements to equipment and communication systems are also underway to support their work.
Access Management
Access Management will be established at TGH using only the main entrance effective Wednesday, March 25, 2026. All members of the public and patients will be welcomed through a centralized entry point where a Security checkpoint has been established at the main TGH entrance. Access Management protocols will not apply to Staff, Contractors, RCMP, or EMS. They will continue to access the facility in accordance with established protocols and identification requirements.
Individuals who choose not to participate in Access Management processes may experience limited access to the facility, with alternative arrangements considered based on care needs.
At this checkpoint, individuals entering the facility will be supported through the following processes:
- Upon entering the facility patients/members of the public will have a verbal screening conversation with a member of the Security team. Individuals requiring emergency patient care will be expedited.
- They will be asked to remove, surrender, or place into an Amnesty Locker any bags, coats, or personal items. If they prefer to keep the items with them, items must be searched by Security.
- At the Security Teams discretion and with consent of the individual they will be subject to a secondary search and will be scanned with a metal detector. If deemed as required by Security, also with continued consent, they will be pat down searched as well to confirm they are not in possession of any prohibited items before entering the facility.
- If a person entering our facility refuses any of the above options they will be subject to the following:
- People seeking medical care: Security Overwatch of these individuals will be maintained either until they leave or volunteer to be subject to the Access Management protocols listed above.
- Visitors: Access will be temporarily restricted, pending compliance.
- Client Escorts: TGH Security will consult with clinical teams to determine whether an escort is required. Where an escort is deemed not required, the escort will not be permitted entry. If they are deemed required, then Security Overwatch will be provided.
We thank all community members for patience and cooperation as we continue to enhance the safety of our health care facilities.
Amnesty Lockers
What are Amnesty Lockers?
Amnesty Lockers are secure, visible storage lockers provided at security checkpoints in healthcare facilities. They are used to store personal belongings that cannot be brought into the facility.
What facilities in our region have Amnesty Lockers?
We currently have amnesty lockers at the Thompson General Hospital.
Who can use Amnesty Lockers?
Anyone entering a Northern Health Region (NHR) facility—clients, visitors, and members of the public—may use Amnesty Lockers if asked to secure their belongings, and if lockers are available at that facility.
What items should be stored in Amnesty Lockers?
Any personal belongings, including bags, that contain items not permitted in the facility, such as weapons or sharp objects. Belongings not needed during the facility visit (e.g., extra bags) should also be stored.
Are there any items I should keep with me?
Yes. You should keep essential personal items such as your ID, wallet, or phone with you, as you will not be able to retrieve items from the locker until you leave the facility.
What happens if I refuse to use an Amnesty Locker?
You will be provided options:
- Consent to a search of your belongings
- Remove your belongings from the property
- If neither option is accepted, Security will maintain visual proximity and notify clinical staff of non-compliance.
How is my property stored in the locker?
Your items will be placed in a clear plastic bag by Security while you watch. The bag is then stored in a visible locker. You will receive a claim ticket corresponding to the locker.
How do I retrieve my belongings?
When you’re ready to leave:
- Present your claim ticket to Security
- Show photo ID or confirm your name as recorded
- Security will return your belongings outside the facility
Will my belongings be searched?
Belongings placed voluntarily into the locker are not searched. If belongings are being inspected as part of the intake or admission process, they may be searched following approved guidelines.
What if I’m admitted to the facility and can’t retrieve my items?
Your belongings may:
- Be searched and transferred to your care unit
- Be moved to Lost & Found for up to 30 days
- Be retrieved by a designated person on your behalf
What happens if I forget to retrieve my belongings?
Items left in lockers for more than 24 hours are transferred to Lost and Found. They are kept for 30 days and then disposed of following NHR protocols.
How do I get my belongings from Lost and Found?
Visit the main information desk to:
- Present your claim ticket to Security
- Show photo ID or confirm your name as recorded
- Security will return your belongings outside the facility
Are the lockers and bags clean?
Yes. Clear plastic bags reduce contamination risk. Lockers are cleaned only when visibly soiled or contaminated.
Is NHR responsible for items in the locker?
No. NHR is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items placed in Amnesty Lockers.
