A lockdown took place at Southlake Regional Health Centre early Monday morning when a patient arrived at the emergency department with a gunshot wound.
York Regional Police recommended the Newmarket hospital initiate the "hold and secure" — known as a code silver at the health-care facility — "to protect the health and safety of everyone at the hospital," according to an email obtained by NewmarketToday sent to employees following the incident that occurred during the night shift Feb. 6.
Security closed all entrances to the hospital and staff badge access was disabled.
Southlake said staff "exemplified masterful command of the code" and the situation was resolved within hours without incident. It praised staff for providing reassurance to everyone involved.
A hold and secure is a standard precaution when a person with gunshot wound is presented with limited information, a police source indicated to NewmarketToday.
Police investigation determined that the victim was shot in Caledon and came to Newmarket to seek treatment.
Caledon OPP, which is investigating the shooting, said at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 6 it received information about a shooting on Peace Court in the Palgrave area. Police believe it was a targeted incident and said there is no threat to public safety.
It said as of Feb. 6, the victim was in a Toronto-area trauma centre with life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and anyone with information or video footage from the incident is asked to contact Caledon OPP at 905-584-2241 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
