The Saskatchewan Health Authority has begun using enhanced third-party protective services at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current as part of a broader expansion that started on Aug. 1.
Who is providing the service
The SHA awarded the contract to Commissionaires, a local-based company, to deliver the expanded protective role. The move follows earlier implementations of enhanced services in larger centres and a trial period planned for several northern and central sites.
What has changed at the hospital
Hospital security has shifted away from an observe-and-report approach — where staff mainly observed incidents and called for assistance — to a model in which protective officers are trained and authorised to intervene and help manage situations directly. According to Vince Ashmeade, SHA director of Protective Services and Emergency Management, that difference will be the main operational change people notice.
"They'll have more training and be able to assist in various situations," Ashmeade said, adding the new approach allows officers to "intervene and provide a service, which will be classified as an enhanced service."
Ashmeade visited Cypress Regional Hospital to review the rollout and said staff reaction has been positive. He described the officers as a visible deterrent to theft and other inappropriate activity and said they are being integrated as part of the hospital's care team.
Where else the service is being used
Commissionaires’ expanded role is not limited to Swift Current. The SHA noted enhanced protective services are already in place in larger centres including Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton and La Ronge. The current procurement process also includes facilities in Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Melfort and La Loche. A trial period will precede further procurement for Prince Albert, North Battleford and Lloydminster in 2025.
| Facility | Service start |
|---|---|
| Cypress Regional Hospital (Swift Current) | Aug. 1 |
| Saskatoon | Already implemented |
| Regina | Already implemented |
| Yorkton | Already implemented |
| La Ronge | Already implemented |
| Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Melfort, La Loche | Procurement began; service from Aug. 1 for these sites |
| Prince Albert, North Battleford, Lloydminster | Trial period in 2025 |
Why the change was made
The SHA says the primary goals of introducing third-party protective officers are to create a safer environment for healthcare workers, physicians, patients and visitors and to reduce incidents of violence. Officials also pointed to improved responsiveness and the ability to de-escalate situations as drivers for the change.
While community members and hospital staff may see more uniformed officers around clinical areas, Ashmeade said the intention is not to make hospitals feel like a policing environment but to strengthen safety and support the care team.
Questions about cost and oversight
SHA representatives declined to disclose the dollar value of the contract at Cypress Regional Hospital. Ashmeade said he would not comment on the cost at this time. Details about ongoing oversight, performance metrics and reporting arrangements were not released in the initial announcement.
What patients and visitors should know
Hospital leadership says the presence of enhanced protective officers is meant to be both visible and supportive. Practical effects visitors may notice include:
- More trained officers on site who can intervene in incidents rather than only reporting them.
- A consistently visible security presence intended to deter theft and disruptive behaviour.
- Staff describing officers as part of the broader care team rather than an external law enforcement force.
Members of the public who have questions about the change or concerns about hospital safety were directed to speak with site leadership at Cypress Regional Hospital or contact SHA public information channels.
This shift is part of a province-wide trend in the SHA to use contracted protective services in clinical settings. Officials say similar approaches have helped reduce incidents and improve response times where they have already been implemented.
As the rollout continues, communities will be watching for more details on costs, accountability and whether the changes lead to measurable reductions in violence and improved feelings of safety among staff and patients.
