WASHINGTON—D.C. hospital workers are asking for more resources to improve security in emergency rooms following a rise in violent incidents.
The D.C. Hospital Association says it wants to explore hospital security options and the D.C. Council’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a discussion on the issue by the end of the month, according to bizjournals.com.
One thing the association has specifically called for is a police presence in emergency departments. Currently, most hospitals only employ security officers, but many officials think that is inadequate.
RELATED: Latest Research Shows Healthcare Workers Experience Highest Rate of Workplace Violence
Hospital officials say violence often occurs when a someone being treated is suffering psychosis, which is frequently related to drug use. One executive said his hospital experiences up to 12 violent incidents each day.
Although some officials are split on the best way to improve hospital security, they agree that hospital violence is a growing problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
