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Patient Violence Injures Nurses at UPMC Hospital
27 Jun
Summary
- Multiple nurses injured during patient attack.
- Security response time questioned by sources.
- Worker fear of workplace violence is widespread.
A recent incident at UPMC Magee Women's Hospital on June 16th resulted in injuries to at least three nurses after a violent encounter with a patient. Sources indicate the patient was experiencing hallucinations and attacked staff, with one nurse suffering a possible torn ligament and remaining off the job. The adequacy of the security response, which sources claim took over five minutes, has been disputed by UPMC, who stated it was under two minutes.
This event is the latest in a series of workplace violence incidents affecting healthcare workers. An exclusive survey revealed that 93 percent of Pennsylvania healthcare workers surveyed expressed fear for their safety at work. While UPMC stated they are reinforcing security measures and enforcing conduct policies, the nurse's union has previously advocated for safe staffing levels as a means to enhance worker protection. Charges have not yet been filed against the patient involved.
