Nurses and other staff want round-the-clock security as part of a new contract at Northern Light Health Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth, according to an article on the Bangor Daily News website.
There have been multiple incidents at the hospital in the past two years in which nurses have been assaulted by patients — many of whom are dealing with opioid withdrawal, according to a union representative.
The nurses allege there has been no security presence at the hospital to assist nurses when confrontations arise and that a plan by hospital administrators for a limited daily security presence is insufficient.
Union members at the hospital said they are concerned for patient safety at the hospital.
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