While the police force said it could not provide details about the investigation, internal hospital emails obtained by the CBC indicate that the hospital has launched its own internal investigation and that a scan by a company with “extensive experience in detecting recording devices” found no other cameras on either that campus or its location in Smiths Falls, Ont. “Going forward, we will continue to share any information to ensure you feel safe in your work environment,” a Nov. 2 email to staff read. Internal hospital emails did not detail whether the camera was hidden or if its use was unauthorized. An OPP spokesman told the CBC via email Monday that the Lanark County OPP detachment is investigating a “hospital-reported incident,” adding that it could not comment further at this time. CBC has contacted the hospital, its board CEO and CUPE Local 2119, which represents workers at the hospital. The hospital said in an email Tuesday morning that it is cooperating with police and “openly communicating” with staff.
Email regarding the manager’s departure
The CBC obtained several emails the hospital sent to staff. One, dated Oct. 20, mentioned “the discovery of a camera on the hospital premises” and the OPP investigation. An email followed the next day confirming that a manager at the hospital was “no longer with the organization”. A source, who briefed the CBC on the incident, said staff wanted more information from the hospital about the discovery of the camera, including the room it was found in. A second source provided the CBC with the contents of staff emails. The CBC has agreed not to name any sources for fear of legal repercussions. In the Nov. 2 staff email about the “recorder investigation,” employees were encouraged to contact a member of their leadership team or the Employee and Family Assistance Program online. “The PSFDH continues to work with the OPP as they conduct the investigation,” the email said. “The leadership team appreciates your patience and understanding as we work through the issue.”
