Government, NDP weigh in on attempted robbery at Regina hospital

REGINA — Saskatchewan’s Opposition NDP is questioning how the province’s health-care system got so bad after a woman was robbed at knifepoint in a hospital waiting area.

Health Critic Vicki Mowat says it’s unacceptable for people to get mugged while they’re waiting for care.

Over the weekend, a man allegedly held a woman at knifepoint in the waiting area at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina.

Police say the man demanded her belongings before fleeing with her handbag.

Hospital security guards apprehended the 34-year-old suspect, and the woman was not hurt.

Premier Scott Moe says mental health and addictions issues often result in violent activities.

He says his government is investing more in law enforcement to reduce the problem.

Mowat says nurses have long been asking the Saskatchewan Party government to address violence in hospitals, but says the province isn’t listening.

The province says it has reached out to the Saskatchewan Health Authority to see if more can be done.