/EINPresswire.com/ -- NORTH BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/20/16 -- Although other sectors have seen decreases in workplace violence health care has experienced a marked increase. The health care sector now has among the highest rates of workplace violence in Ontario. A panel on violence against health care staff Monday (March 21, 2016) at 7 p.m. at the First Ave. Royal Canadian Legion in North Bay, will talk about the problem and specifically violence against health care staff and what can be done about it.

The panel will include the participation of health care staff, several of them nurses. "We hope that the discussion will include everyone attending the forum, which is open to everyone," says Sharon Richer, north eastern Ontario vice-president with the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE (OCHU) sponsoring the event.

According to the Canadian Institute for Healthcare Information, 47 per cent of registered practical nurses were assaulted in 2014.

In January, North Bay nurse Sue McIntyre was fired by her hospital after she spoke on panel at a nursing conference about violence against health care staff.

"While some health care employers want to deny that workplace violence is a growing problem, statistics show it's an enormous problem. We believe being open and frank about the root causes of violence against health staff and a proactive search for solutions is the best way to change the culture and to increase the safety of staff and the people we care for," says Richer.

Contacts:
Sharon Richer
OCHU North Eastern Ontario Vice-President
705-280-0911

Stella Yeadon
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Communications
416-559-9300