The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says an investigation is underway following the death of a patient at Royal University Hospital after an incident involving protective services officers.

SHA says security guards were called to a patient’s room Friday morning after staff reported a safety concern involving an admitted patient.

During the response, the SHA says a physical altercation occurred between the patient and the guards, and the patient became unresponsive.

SHA says medical staff responded to provide care and pronounced the patient dead.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is committed to accountability and to ensuring a safe care environment for patients, visitors, and staff. The SHA is supporting an investigation into the death of a patient at Royal University Hospital following an incident involving SHA Protective Services Officers. The SHA takes this incident extremely seriously and we extend our sincere condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones,” SHA said in a statement.

The health authority says Saskatoon police have been notified and are conducting an investigation. SHA says it has also launched an internal review and declared the matter a critical incident.

SHA says it’s coordinating with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) to provide supports to the patient’s family and loved ones and also providing support to staff members impacted by this incident.

The health authority had an unrelated press conference scheduled with the STC Friday morning, but it was cancelled.

SHA says no further details will be released while the investigation continues.