Injured doctors and threatened nurses: Patients show increasing willingness to use force. The state clinics in Salzburg have had enough. Measures must be taken to protect workers.
A patient with abdominal pain becomes restless and aggressive in the waiting room and asks for stronger painkillers. Despite a venous access, he suddenly stands up, takes out a jackknife and asks menacingly, “And am I being treated now?” Another patient hits a doctor while taking blood from the face. Result: broken glasses and a black eye. And a nurse says anonymously: “I was assaulted by a drunken drug addict working the night shift. If the man had caught me and choked or beat me, no one would have heard me.”
There are descriptions from clinic staff of scenes that have played out in the emergency department of the teaching hospital in recent weeks. Such violent incidents are becoming more common in Salzburg hospitals. Employees are not only beaten, but also threatened with death or sexually harassed.
According to the state clinics, 121 cases were reported within a year. The spokesperson for the clinic also stressed that aggressiveness increased during the Corona period. “The most important thing is that we help and protect our people.”
Clinics already use security guards
The problem of violence is now prompting the Salzburg state clinics to take action. In a letter to employees, the clinic management speaks of a “zero-tolerance policy” for violent patients or visitors and lists specific measures, some of which have already been implemented or planned: A security guard patrols the emergency room for adults. Information boards are now being placed at five outpatient clinics and two emergency departments. With the message: “We report every threat, attack or attack without exception.”
Clinic staff can also report incidents on a portal. In an emergency room and an ambulance, the staff are now shielded with glass walls. In addition, emergency buttons must be installed with a direct connection to the police. The clinics also offer safety training for employees: four dates are planned this year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
