Honouring our internal first responders

Security Guard Steven Laidlaw poses at Providence Care Hospital.

Since the newly constructed Providence Care Hospital opened in 2017, security guard Steven Laidlaw has been a constant fixture in the building. Working in healthcare security for the last 15 years, he says it’s a special kind of career that sees a wide spectrum of roles and responsibilities.

“We can go from providing access to someone’s office to providing assistance in the parking lot, to rushing into a violent situation, and then turn around to help a grieving family of a palliative patient. We respond to each and every situation, regardless of how big or small, with the highest degree of professionalism,” says Steven.

Steven is a part of a team of 92 individuals who staff both Providence Care and Kingston Health Sciences Centre. On any given day, there are about 22 members of the Protection Services team who work across the different site locations of Providence Care.

Steven says no two days are the same, and by far his favourite part of the job is getting to know the staff, patients and clients at Providence Care Hospital.

“I can tell you that I have several coworkers that I honestly call family,” explains Steven. “I find getting to know the clients helps me build a rapport which can help both myself and them. Sometimes this can calm a chaotic situation and other times the client just needs an ear to listen. I am happy to be able to provide any help that I can.”

Throughout his career Steven has had a few standout moments, but calling his first code 99 for a medical emergency stands out among the rest. Steven’s quick thinking and training in first aid would be what would save the client’s life.

“My partner and I were talking to a client and they just went unresponsive. While tending to the client we called a code 99. With the staff that arrived, we managed to save the client’s life. The circumstances around the situation were tough and it was my first time having to deal with a medical emergency where someone could have passed away. I was told that the actions my partner and I took changed the entire outcome. Since the staff helped me so much that day, I now do check-ins on any staff involved in any codes that I am a part of. I strongly believe wellness checks are important.”

Director of Protection Services for Providence Care and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Renaud Golsse, says healthcare security are often the first on scene to assist with emergency response.

“In many ways our frontline security personnel are internal first responders. At Providence Care, our professional security team continuously live our mission and values. They uphold both compassion and respect while supporting client, patient, and resident centered care through best practice and risk mitigation across multiple complex sites. I am proud to work with such a dedicated team.”

When not ensuring the safety of patients, clients, visitors, volunteers and staff at Providence Care Hospital, Steven says you can find him behind the handlebars of his motorcycle, getting a serious dose of wind therapy, or chasing a sunset.  He is also a proud uncle and could very well be the next great Canadian baker.

“My Mother and I use to bake a lot and now I love to bake. Not just little things, I can do anything from cookies to a 3D Pokémon Jigglypuff. That was my niece’s cake last year. Between doing crafts and baking, the months leading up to Christmas are really busy for me.”

On this Healthcare Security and Safety week we honour Steven and the entire team for the integral role they play in keeping the Providence Care community safe.  Thank you to our Protection Services.