Times/Julie Wilkinson

Physician shoots armed patient at Philadelphia hospital

Facility policy allows only on-duty law enforcement officers to bringing weapons onto the campus


In the aftermath of a deadly shooting on the campus of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital near Philadelphia, the issue of security at Delaware County medical facilities has come to the forefront, according to an article on the Delaware County Daily Times website.

A psychiatric patient opened fire, killing his caseworker, before a psychiatrist returned fire and critically wounded the shooter.

Mercy policy prohibits anyone except on-duty law enforcement officers from bringing weapons onto the campus, a Mercy Health System spokesperson said. 

The facility is not equipped with metal detectors.

Main Line Health System, which operates Riddle Memorial Hospital in Middletown, Pa., as well as several other hospitals in the region, also has a gun prohibition policy.

The health system’s security staff has developed emergency plans to respond to a violent situation, the article said.

At Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., a metal detector screens patients and visitors in the hospital’s emergency department, according to a hospital spokesman. The metal detector is staffed by a security officer 24/7. 

Read the article.

 

 

 



August 1, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Texas Law Limits Backup Power Mandates for Senior Care Facilities

As Texas relaxes generator mandates, healthcare facility managers now face tough decisions about emergency power investments and resident safety.


Cyber Crossfire: Why Healthcare Is Becoming a Battleground in Global Conflicts

As geopolitical tensions escalate, hospitals and critical suppliers are increasingly targeted in cyberattacks.


UPMC Presbyterian Receives $65 Million Gift for New Bed Tower

The tower is projected to open for patient care in early 2027.


Premier Health Partners Falls Victim to Cyber Incident

The incident occurred in July 2023.


Backup Power's Expanding Role in Emergency Preparedness for Healthcare

Manufacturers discuss design strategies, code shifts and lessons learned from real-world disasters.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.