A vote is being held by members of the Manitoba Nurses Union to determine if they will “grey list” the Thompson General Hospital because of safety issues.

A spokesperson for the Northern Health Region said they are working with the MNU to listen to their concerns and discuss opportunities to improve working conditions for their members.

Actions already taken include creating new positions for Security Access Guards and a Regional Security Officer role, with work underway to hire new Institutional Safety Officers.

Planning is also underway to implement secure and monitored access for the Thompson General Hospital as of December 1st.

These steps have been taken in response to feedback and recommendations received from frontline workers.

A shooting incident last December and a stabbing incident in September spurred the vote.

Facilities that are grey-listed are deemed to be unsafe working environments, with union member advised against taking jobs there.