Chattanooga’s Healthcare Workers Get New Safety Measures Amid Rising Violence
In the heart of Chattanooga, a significant change is brewing at Erlanger Hospital. Aiming to bolster safety for its dedicated staff, the hospital is introducing personal alarm devices for all employees. This initiative comes as a response to alarming trends showing healthcare workers facing some of the highest rates of workplace violence in any private industry.
Addressing Workplace Violence Head-On
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2021 to 2022, healthcare incidents have drastically increased, primarily during the tumultuous times brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Eileen Shum, Erlanger’s director of patient safety, quality, and accreditation, shared that with these personal alarms, the goal is to create a safer environment where employees feel empowered to speak up when they sense danger.
“It’s not just about statistics; it’s about our people,” Shum emphasized. “We want our staff to know that their safety is a priority, and these alarms are a step forward in addressing this bigger problem.” During our conversation, Shum highlighted how critical it is for the team to feel secure every day.
A Steep Rise in Violence
The statistics are stark. A spokesperson for Erlanger declined to provide specific numbers on workplace violence incidents annually, but did mention that trends have not shown signs of improvement since the onset of the pandemic. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Nurses United earlier in 2023 revealed that nearly half of nurses reported experiencing an increase in workplace violence over the past year.
What is even more concerning, according to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, is that the rise in violence is seen as a “reflection of society,” highlighting how broader social issues are manifesting within healthcare settings. This unsettling reality has pushed hospitals to rethink how they can best protect their frontline heroes.
How the Personal Alarms Work
So, what exactly do these personal alarms do? The primary function is to alert nearby staff or bystanders that someone may be in danger. However, it’s important to note that these alarms do not directly notify Erlanger’s security team or law enforcement. Instead, the focus is on instantly drawing attention from those in proximity.
This innovative measure raises the question of how other hospitals are responding to this pressing issue. For instance, Chi Memorial Hospital was approached to discuss whether they will adopt similar safety protocols. As of now, they have not committed to rolling out such measures, but the conversation around healthcare security continues to gain traction.
A Community-Driven Solution
The introduction of personal alarms at Erlanger isn’t just a reaction; it’s also the beginning of a much-needed conversation about workplace safety across the healthcare sector. As the city of Chattanooga watches closely, the hope is that this proactive measure will inspire other healthcare providers in the area to follow suit, ultimately ensuring that all nurses, doctors, and support staff work in environments that respect their safety.
As this new initiative unfolds at Erlanger Hospital, many in the community are rallying behind a common goal: to protect and support those who care for our health, day in and day out. With rising concerns over workplace violence, it’s a pivotal moment for Chattanooga’s healthcare community.
Only time will tell if these alarms effectively change the tide of workplace safety. In the meantime, Erlanger Hospital is making an impactful step forward, sending a clear message that the safety of their employees is not just important—it’s essential.
