The issues of workplace violence and workforce safety have quickly become among the most important topics we’re having in healthcare today. Every healthcare worker has the right to a safe workplace that is free from violence and other hazards. However, in healthcare, there is a persistent challenge in how to balance this right with the duty to care.

Conversations about workplace violence are now front and centre across the whole of our health sector. The question is no longer whether this is an issue, but how healthcare leaders, providers, and policymakers can respond in ways that make a real difference in the safety of our health workplaces.

In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we take on this complex and deeply human challenge: how do we build a culture of safety in healthcare that protects staff, patients, and families alike?

Joining us is Myfanwy Marshall, Vice President of People and Experience at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). With a career spanning labour law, human resources, and transformational leadership, Myfanwy brings a clear-eyed perspective on the systemic drivers of workplace violence and the practical steps organizations like CAMH are taking to keep people safe.

Tune in for this important conversation and come away with a clearer understanding of why this issue matters now, what’s being done to address it, and what it will take to build safer healthcare workplaces for everyone.

About Our Guest

Myfanwy Marshall

Vice President, People and Experience, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Myfanwy Marshall is Vice President, People and Experience at CAMH. She is a strategic leader with expertise in designing and executing transformation, enriching employee engagement and experience, and ensuring effective delivery of support to employees and leaders within dynamic and complex operating environment in both private and public sectors.

Myfanwy has been at CAMH for over eight years – previously serving in the roles of Interim Vice President, People and Experience; Director, People and Legal Counsel; Senior Manager, Human Resources and Labour Relations; and Manager, Labour Relations. Prior to joining CAMH, Myfanwy worked extensively in Labour Relations in large organizations including CN Railway, the Toronto Star, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

Myfanwy is a Labour and Employment Lawyer by training, and holds the Certified Human Resources Professional designation. She is also a committed volunteer in the community, having served on the Boards of Directors of Fred Victor Centre and Dixon Hall.

Key Discussions

Defining Workplace Violence

What does violence in healthcare include — and what doesn’t it?

Why Now?

Exploring why the issue has surged in attention across the sector.

Reporting and Context

How data, reporting, and client populations shape our understanding.

System Drivers

What forces continue to fuel violence in healthcare workplaces?

Safe vs. Safer

Is healthcare inherently less safe, or is it time to reject that narrative?

Prevention in Action

What CAMH is doing: TIDES, training, audits, and workplace violence committees.

The Role of Leadership

How leaders must engage to protect and support workers.

Helpful Resources

CAMH | Website | Click Here

Myfanwy Marshall | LinkedIn | Click Here

TIDES | Website | Click Here

Tell Us What You Think

If this episode sparked ideas or raised questions, we’d love to hear from you. Share your feedback through our short listener survey: Click Here

And don’t forget—subscribe to The HQ Podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with others in your network.