Waypoint Centre fined $130K after violent incident left workers injured

Waypoint Centre in Penetanguishene, Ont. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene received a hefty fine after three staff members were reportedly injured during an incident inside one of its high-security forensic mental health units.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the case stems from an incident on Dec. 31, 2023, inside Beckwith Unit A at the facility’s Church Street campus.

The ministry says a patient became violent with a patient care assistant (PCA) after being asked to remove their feet from a couch. It’s believed the patient and worker had been involved in an earlier disagreement that had resolved.

Official said a ‘Code White,’ the hospital’s emergency response for violent or aggressive behaviour, was called, and five additional staff members stepped in to help. "They eventually brought the patient under control," the ministry noted.

The ministry reports the PCA suffered a critical injury, while two others were also hurt.

Following an investigation, the ministry concluded Waypoint failed provide proper information, instruction, and supervision to keep workers safe.

“The employer patient’s crisis prevention plan was not up to date, and staff were not given proper direction on how to use the crisis prevention plan. Additionally, staff had not received appropriate training on how to respond to violence from a seated position," the ministry stated.

Waypoint pleaded guilty last month and was handed a $130,000 fine. The court also applied the mandatory 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, which is required under the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is directed to a provincial fund that supports victims of crime.