ONTARIO-The provinces Special Investigations Unit (SIU)has been called in to investigate an incident that occurred late Saturday evening inside the emergency room in the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg.
Preliminary information from the SIU suggests that around 11:00 p.m., Cobourg Police Service received a call for reports of gun shots inside the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
A short time later, two police officers encountered a 70-year-old man inside the emergency room of the hospital according to the SIU. There was an interaction and both police officers discharged their firearms. The man was shot and killed at the scene. The body of a 76-year-old woman was also located at the scene.
“Our staff and physicians are trained to deal with weapon-related situations,” said Linda Davis, President and CEO. “While we hope that we never need to use this training, it proved very beneficial tonight. I want to thank our staff and our local police services for their fast and professional response. NHH’s Employee Assistance Provider is on site providing support to staff. Due to the ongoing investigation we are unable to comment on the specifics of what occurred in our Emergency Department last night. What I can tell you is that the scene is secure and all current patients, caregivers, staff and police personnel are safe.”
The hospital says there is no danger to the public or to staff. All current patients, caregivers, staff and police personnel are safe and patients are receiving care as appropriate.The Emergency Deparment of the hospital was closed and patients redirected to other hospitals overnight. Care in all other areas of NHH was not affected. All areas of the hospital are now open.
“I want to thank our staff, physicians, security and our local police services for their fast and professional response. NHH’s Employee Assistance Provider has been on site through the night providing support. We recognize incidents such as this have a significant emotional impact on our team and we will continue to provide support as long as necessary.” officials with the hospital said.
Six investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to investigate this incident.
The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
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