A nurse who was brutally attacked at a B.C. hospital earlier this month remains in recovery, and his union has vowed not to sign a new contract with the province until widespread security concerns are addressed.

The 39-year-old was working in the Abbotsford Regional Hospital emergency room when a patient started beating him March 1. The assault left him needing seven stitches around his eye.

The B.C. Nurses’ Union credited health officials with bringing in additional safety measures at the hospital following the startling incident, but said similar measures are needed elsewhere.

“Fraser Health did take some immediate steps,” union president Gayle Duteil said at a rally Tuesday. “There is a dedicated safety officer present now in the ER, and we’re pleased to see that.”

A charge of assault causing bodily harm has also been approved in the case, against 23-year-old suspect Ryan Michael Stard.

The BCNU said it’s in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Health and health authorities regarding violence in the workplace, and that they will be a sticking point in contract negotiations.

“I can firmly say there will not be a contract signed with the B.C. Nurses’ Union until the subject of violence is addressed,” Duteil said.

The union wants to see hospitals appropriately staffed to help avoid patient frustration, and for nurses to have more access to personal protective technology, such as the wearable Vocera buttons nurses can use to silently call for help.

Training for Code White situations – emergencies related to patient behaviour – has also become crucial for the job, according to the union.

Elvira Martens, a full-time steward at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, said the potential for violence affects staff members and their families alike.

“Your family members are scared for you as well because now you’re walking into a place where violence could happen at any moment,” Martens said.

“I’ve been verbally assaulted, sworn at, I’ve been spat at, I’ve been hit, and I’ve also been touched.”

The Fraser Health Authority said on top of adding security at the Abbotsford hospital, it has added secure glass door to separate the triage and waiting areas.

Stard is scheduled to appear in court again on April 2.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Maria Weisgarber