An Oregon hospital’s security protocols are being reassessed after the two patients ran away from hospital supervisors in the last month.
A patient was walking along the perimeter of Oregon State Hospital in Junction City when the patient ran away. Hospital staff was able to catch up and bring the patient back to the hospital, but the escape has some residents and police concerned.
The brief escape was just the latest in patient supervisory mishaps at the hospital. On Nov. 16 a patient left a hospital library trip and police had to bring the patient back to the hospital.
Although most of the patients at the hospital are considered to be a danger to themselves or others, a hospital spokesperson said the patients who are allowed to leave the secure perimeter are considered clinically stable, according to kesi.com.
But Junction City Police Chief Mark Chase said his department’s response to these incidents takes away from officers’ regular duties. Chief Chase is meeting with hospital directors to talk about improving hospital security in the coming weeks.
