Workplace Violence Strikes Three Hospitals

Incidents in Baton Rouge, Nashville and Little Rock spotlight threats to employees

By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor, Facility Market


The surge in violence that has hit numerous communities in recent months also has hit healthcare facilities, increasing the threat of workplace violence that already had threatened healthcare workers in recent years.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake is reviewing its security practices after a patient brought a firearm into the hospital recently, according to WBRZ. A hospital spokesperson said the patient was stopped in the lobby after an employee noticed what appeared to be a firearm under his jacket. Staff notified a reserve sheriff's deputy assigned to the emergency room, who found a Glock 43 with an extended drum concealed under the man's armpit. 

In Nashville, police recently arrested a man hospitalized at St. Thomas West Hospital who was found to have multiple knives, a hatchet, and sharp weapons in his bag while making threats towards staff, according to WZTV. Hospital employees say the man had been complaining of hand and leg pain. Hospital security searched his backpack, finding the weapons. The man allegedly made verbal and physical threats towards staff, punching the walls and raising his fists in a threatening manner. He also allegedly threatened to kill one of the staff and others.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, a 59-year-old man died recently after an officer-involved shooting at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, according to KATV. Officers approached the man after he exited a truck near the emergency entrance. The man was reportedly holding a gun and directed officers to stay away. As the man raised the gun, an officer fired his weapon.



July 19, 2021


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

ISSA Introduces Healthcare Platform to Advance Safer, Cleaner Patient Environments

This new resource integrates training, research and cross-sector collaboration to raise care standards and improve patient outcomes.


Third-Party Tracking Settlement is a Compliance Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Facilities Managers

Mount Sinai Health System agrees to a $5.3 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly shared patient data with Facebook through tracking tools.


ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Facility

The new facility features 144 beds and a healing environment for behavioral health patients.


Aspire Rural Health System Reports Data Security Incident

Upon detecting the unauthorized activity, Aspire immediately worked to contain the incident and launched a thorough investigation.


Fatal Flaws: Strategies for Active Attackers

Anything that goes wrong with the response is the liability exposure of the organization — not the employee and not the police.


 
 


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.