Two nurses are speaking out about violent incidents they experienced while working in the emergency department at Eagle Ridge Hospital (ERH) in Port Moody, B.C. — saying the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) has failed to provide a safe working environment, and has sought to silence employees who speak out.

Veteran nurse Arden Foley says she is not returning to work because of lingering post traumatic stress from an attack by a patient. Victoria Treacy, says she was suspended and placed under investigation by Fraser Health after she spoke out about a patient who threatened her colleagues with a machete.

The health authority said Treacy, who currently works at the hospital as a casual FHA employee, wasn’t suspended or put under investigation.

However, the women’s stories are two of many included in a lawsuit filed against the health authority in the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver on June 6.