Amid growing violence against healthcare workers, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare hosts Violence Prevention Fair

Stephanie Hudson
·2 min read

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — It’s hospital week across the nation and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare chose this time to focus on a growing issue for those in healthcare — workplace violence.

“We have had healthcare professionals that had their injuries [be] so severe that they’ve been out of work for a long term,” said Stella McClain, director of workforce health and well-being at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare.

Healthcare workers are five times more likely to be injured in the workplace than in other industries. Whether it’s patients lashing out, or loved ones of patients’ aggressive behavior, incidents are increasing.

Chesapeake Regional gathered its employees Wednesday for a Violence Prevention Fair to focus on stopping the violence.

“I always tell our workforce that your priority is looking out for the patient, but any event you’re injured, who’s going to look out for you,” McClain said.

Speakers included Chesapeake Commonwealth Attorney Matt Hamel, who vowed to prosecute those who come after healthcare workers, and local law enforcement who offered self-defense classes to healthcare workers.

“[It’s] so you can feel more confident walking from the parking lot to here,” said Undersheriff David Rosado.

The hospital has now has a sheriff’s deputy in the building 24/7. That, along with special staff training to deescalate emotional situations, has helped crate a safer workplace over the last year.

“The number of incidents that have resulted in harm have dropped like a rock so, they’ve gone from like 40 to 10,” said Chesapeake Regional Healthcare President & CEO Reese Jackson.

Campaigns like Help Us Help You, from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, use a series of public service announcements to educate the public.

“Behave appropriately in clinical settings,” said VHHA Vice President of Communications Julian Walker. “It is in your best interest.”

The hope is that through education of the public and hospital staff, the violence will stop completely.

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