RNAO is mourning the murder of one of its members

RNAO is mourning the murder of one of its members.

Twenty-six-year-old Shannan Hickey of Belleville was killed this week.

Hickey worked at Quinte Health where her colleagues describe her as great nurse, dedicated, kind and gentle.

"We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Shannan’s family, her friends and colleagues at Belleville General Hospital. Our hearts join your shattered hearts," says RNAO President Dr. Claudette Holloway.

Hickey studied at Loyalist College and Brock University. Colleagues say she had dreams of becoming an ICU nurse.

Police confirmed that a man has been charged in connection with her death.

Earlier this month, RNAO’s CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun was invited by a Senate Committee to offer the association’s perspective on the development of a national strategy to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) (Bill 2-249).

RNAO’s expertise on IPV dates back to 2005, when it first released its evidence-based best practice guideline. The association is currently working on its third edition of the guideline partnering with experts in the field, persons with lived experience and the police. Calling IPV an epidemic, Grinspun urged the committee "not to wait for the results of consultations and move urgently to take national action on IPV, including the need for routine screening in all health settings."